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THE SIEGE OF ALGIERS, 

OR, 
THE DOWNFAL OF 

A POLITICAL, HISTORICAL, AND SENTIMENTAL 

TJRAGI.C03IEDY, 

/JV FIVE ACTS. 



BY JONATHAN S. SMITH, 

OF PHILADELPHIA. 



The petty Tyrant with his iron rod doth rule, 
VVhilst Liberty is better taught in Freedom's school. 






PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 
By J. Maxwell. 

\823. 



,6x47 



DEDICATION. 



The author of this drama, it may naturally be sup- 
posed, would be desirous to obtain the whole of the 
Christian world as patrons to the general good intended 
by the same — but was fully convinced that it would be 
in vain to court the notice, much less the support, of em- 
perors, kings, princes, and other great potentates of FJu- 
ropean Christian nations, as it will herein be fully shown, 
that most of them have, more or less, through their re- 
spective representatives at the court of Algiers, acted 
their several pai-ts with misguided ambition, or private 
sinister views, behind this great curtain of Barbarian 
iniquity — and in which, it is evident, that the Christian 
maritime powers of Europe had for centuries made their 
national honour subservient to their well known cha- 
racter for speculative monopoly in their relations with 
the Bai'bary powers generally, to the greatest inj ury of 
all defenceless Christian nations. 

Under these imperious impressions the author was for 
a moment dismayed! But recollecting that he was a citi- 
zen of a free and enlightened country — he now, there- 
fore, as a native of the United States of America, most 
respectfully begs leave to dedicate this production, in 
favour of Liberty, to their more friendly patronage — they 
having most independently stood forth in defence of 
their own just I'iglits, and this singly, against the general 
tyranny and cruelty long exercised by the piratical 
states of Barbary, towards Christian nations in their 
commerce to the Mediterranean sea. 

The reader will readily admit, upon a fair principle 
of reason, that the free navigation of this sea, as well as 
all other great waters, was originally given by the great 
Author of Nature for a just and friendly intercourse — 



and this equally to all nations — consequently, that no 
one nation has the legitimate right to set up any arbi- 
trary line of demarcation, by way of an assumed barrier, 
against the ships of any other nation trading from one 
sea to another. But the Algerines and other states of 
Barbary, under the impression tliat the Christian mari- 
time powers never would unite to destroy this usurpa- 
tion, they have continued their depredations on those 
seas with impunity. 

However, the United States of America, a minor ma- 
ritime power, have, by their late coercive measures, evi- 
dently proven how this unjust and arbitrary system of 
tribute demanded by the Barbary powers might be coun- 
teracted — and this has likewise set a glorious example 
in the face of the Christian world, to pursue this wicked 
policy until it shall be entirely annihilated, and with it 
the evils and horrors which have hitherto subjected the 
citizens and subjects of the civilized world trading to 
those seas, to the most cruel bondage and degrading fet- 
ters! 

The author is fully aware of certain primitive opinions 
against invoking Divine agency, or even supplicating 
Divine mercy in theatrical exhibitions! And how far the 
character of Christian Monitor, as herein represented, 
may come within this rule of exception may, or may not 
be questioned? But if the rigid moralist will not approve 
of this forcible method of appeal, in this instance, to ef- 
fect a good end, it is to be hoped the more candid critics 
will not exercise their refined or austere judgment, to 
counteract the same — and, from motives of delicacy, it 
is judged proper to make use of fictitious names to rep- 
resent the Christian characters, as well as some others 
herein; yet it is to be hoped they will be considered ap- 
propriate, and so justly adapted as not to weaken the 
representation. 

In this drama will likewise be strongly exemplified 
the great contrast between the government, customs, 
and manners of unlettered despotism, and those of the 
more free and enlightened nations — and one scene here- 
in, will also enable the female part of the latter to form 
a just estimate between their own happy condition in 
lifcj and the truly miserable and circumscribed state of 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Hadgi AH Bashaw, The reio-ning' T)ey of Algiers. 

Mulej M.diomet, Hifi Prime .Minisier. 

Mustapha, Viclic Hadgi, Minister of Marine. 

Hassan, Commandant of Do. 

Oinai, chief Aga, Commander of the Land forces, deposes 
Hadgi Mi Bashaw. 

Robardo, Captain of the Guards. 

The Divan, in conclave, Solyman, their Oracle or Speak- 
er. 

Spyder Ali, The Deifs private Secretary. 

Blackbeard, Keeper of the Christian slaves. 

David Biokercye, A Hebrew money changer of great 
note, decapitated by the Hey, through the intrigues of 
his Frime Minister. 

Algeriiie merchants, or speculators, messengers, and 
Christian slaves. 

Christian consuls resident at Algiers, who act their 
several parts as ambition and interest may dictate. 

Consul Bullycan, From Bull Court. 

Don Sancho, Court of Salamanca. 
Tool, Braganza. 

All in the interest of John Bull. 

Consul Biillyrock, From Court of St. Cloud. 

Trimmer, Stockholm. 

Balance, Copenhagen. 

The opposition, in favour of John Crappeau, 

Secretaries, O'Consequentio, and O'Sappro — dragomen, 
messengers, and domestics. 

Consul Tribute, from the United Christian Brotherhood 
in the Wesi, placed under tributary probation tiirough 
intrigue, and dismissed by ihe Dey. 

Commodore Intrepid, with a squa<iron of ships from the 
nation of the West, arrives at Algiers, and after taking 



8 

an Algerine frigate, makes peace with them, and re- 
leases his own citizens from captivity, without ran- 
som or tribute. 

Admiral Thunder, with a fleet from John Bull, combined 
with Myn Heer Van Splutterbox, arrives at Algiers. 
They bombard the city, and then make peace, as the 
nation of the West had done, without ransom or tri- 
bute — Omai, the Dey, considers this defeat as the 
downfal of tribute, and stabs himself. 

Christian Monitor, an invisible agent, who, in the shape 
of conscience, issues his timely monitions. 

Citizen Yankoo, a Christian merchant, arrives at Al- 
giers from Mocha, with a cargo of coffee, which is sa- 
crificed by Algerine intrigue. 

Factotum, a Christian renegado interpreter, and broker 
to Consul Tribute. 

Christian females of the consular legations at Algiers. 

Lady Bullycan, Trimmer, Tool, Tribute — Miss Tool, 
Bullycans, Trimmers, and Balances. 

Females of the Dey's Seraglio. 
Barbaryana, the Dey's lawful wife, falls a victim to his 
capricious humours, and is bow-stringed. 

Georgiana, a young virgin from Georgia, ) Poison 
Circassiana, do. do. Circassia, ^ themselves 

rather than submit to the Dey's desires. 

Kattarino, a Christian female domestic slave, bow- 
stringed by orders of the Dey, in his sullen disap- 
pointment at the loss of his favourite virgins. 



SIEGE OF ALGIERS, &c. 



ACT I.— SCENE I. 

J view of the city and surrounding fortifications of the 
Harbour of Algiers — their fieet at anchor within the 
mole. 

A number of Christian slaves at work on the marine, a 
platform of stone constructed by the sweat of their 
brow, and extends from the outlet gate of this walled 
city, to. a castle built on a rock, and protects their 
shipping. 

Hassan, [commandant of marine, to the slave keeper.) 
Blackbeard, take care to keep those Christian Dogs un- 
der your care hard at work, until the setting sun — then 
turn them all within our city gates, count them over, 
and lock them up to prevent escape, as we expect some 
of them will soon be ransomed, and pay us well for our 
trouble. 

Scene changes to the Divan in conclave. 

Muley Mahomet, the Dey^s prime minister, enters, and, 
with much gravity places his right hand on his left 
breast, boivs thrice, and thus addresses them — 

' Seigniors of this our august Divan, — I greet you in 
the name of Hadgi Ali Bashaw, our great sovereign the 
Dey, and am thus commanded to make known to you— - 
That we are just advised by a courier extraordinary, 
that the bills lately given for our last Christian ransom, 
amounting to one million of piastres, have been paid to 
tlie orders of our great money changer, David Broker- 
eye; and he, for his usual premium in such cases, has 
guaranteed the money to be forthcoming in safety to 
our hand's — so far, good — but we must enforce the fur- 
ther strict collection of Christian tribute due for the na- 



10 

vigation of these, our waters of the Mediterranean sea, 
which will increase to us, as the Emperor of Morocco 
has latterly declined the roving trade — and by this 
means, our coffers v/ill be in a much better condition to 
act, than they have been for some time. 

SoLYMAN, {the oracle of the Divan.) Our prime minis- 
ter brings us good tidings from our sovereign, and we 
note it accordingly, in the transactions of our Divan for 
the day. 

Mahomet. Now, the first matter of importance to be 
attended to, will be to send some appropriate presents 
to the great Ottoman chief at Constantinople — not that 
we consider ourselves bound to obey him, having long 
since shaken off this yoke. But we must continue this 
mark of our respectful homage to him, as the great pre- 
sent protector of all Mahometan rights — upon which 
only true principle, the great Barbarossa founded his 
original system of government for this regency, and 
which we are bound by solemn oath to maintain, against 
all the powers of Christendom! The next point that may 
require our attention, is, to increase our naval force, as, 
from this source alone, we expect to spread terror on 
these, our seas, and thereby continue to make the Chris- 
tian commerce thereon, subservient to tributary submis- 
sion. 

Now, friends of our Divan — having, in my official 
duty, represented the state of our relations abroad, it 
becomes necessary to have your collective opinions to- 
wards our safety at home, {seats himself.) 

SoLYMAN. In answer to our prime minister, it would 
be well to see that our castle and forts are in the best 
state of defence, for, as it has been concluded on by the 
Dey to send all our fleet against the Tunisians, our pre- 
sent declared enemy, perhaps they might have the same 
design against us — and it is high time to recruit our 
land forces; they should never be less than ten thousand 
effective men; but, from the plague and other causes, 
they are little more than half that number at present, 
and we can readily be supplied from the outcasts of the 
Levant, wliich make the most daring soldiers, and we 
might send a recruiting officer in oui' pilgrim ships, 



11 

which go that way yearly, and he would soon pick up as 
many men as we want. 

Mahomet. The present state of the Christian world, 
likewise demands all these precautions — we know tliey 
have been at loggerhi-ads many years, as they pretend, 
to preserve what they call the balance of power — but in 
truth, to gratify ambition and interest. We have lately 
witnessed the ships of war of John Bull, chasing those 
of John Crappeau into our ports — we dare not say nay 
to tliis; for, were it not for the heavier metal of the for- 
mer at sea, we should have some reason to fear the en- 
croachments of the latter, as he is a known usurper, and 
it is whispered he has been looking towards the states of 
Barbary, as he has done towards Egypt, in order to fur- 
ther his ambitious strides towards the East — at all 
events, it would be safe to keep a good look out on all 
sides, as there is no knowing, or trusting, to these m ar- 
ring belligerents. Ptrhaps, in a hasty mood, they might 
strike a blow at us. 

SoLYMAN. We have listened with much attention to 
your summary on the state of matters and things politi- 
cally connected with the Cliristian world — and, as we 
perfectly agrte, vv % the Divan, have nothing further at 
the moment, to otfer for your consideration. 

(seats himself.') 

Mahomet. As we understand ourselves thus far, in 
our public duty, I see no hindrance to look towards our 
private gratification. I have therefore to say, that the 
Viclic Hadgi, our minister of marine, has reported to 
me, "the arrival of a vessel from Mocha, with a cargo of 
excellent coffee;" and, as you know our great feast of 
Rhamadan will be at hand the next moon, we shall then 
want a good supply of this article, to wash down the 
fumes of our grand regalia pipe, used on such occasions 
—I therefore propose, that we purchase this cargo 
amongst us friends present; but, previous to which, let 
us have the price of this article fixed as low as possible; 
this you know can be done, as usual, through the agency 
of our friend Brokereye, who is admitted as the organ of 
all commerce here— consequently, this merchant cannot 
complain, should he be disappointed — and if he does, it 



12 

must be adjusted by the consul of his own nation, and 
you know we can manage him as we see fit. 

{seats himself.) 

SoLYMAN. What say you friends here, to a share in 
this Mocha specul; tion? I am ready and willing. 

The Divan. (Omnes.) As our oracle says. 

Mahomet. This being to your liking, I must now in- 
form you that consul Tribute is the representative of the 
Christian who brings the coffee hero — I have notified 
this consul to attend nie at the Divan, about this hour, 
and we must probe him to the quick in his consular re- 
lations; and, after this is done, we may expect him, like 
all the rest, to truckle to us in tributary submission, 
and to increase our bye presents; and in this instance, 
we may also count on a good dish of Mocha, to wash all 
down and make good friends again — ha, ha, ha — we may 
now enjoy the laugh by ourselves — but let us be strictly 
watchful, and put on our gravest faces in the presence 
of Christians. 

Messenger to the Divan enters — Seigniors, I have to 
announce consul Tribute waiting in the anti-chamber, 
to receive audience. 

SoLYMAN. Conduct this Christian consul to our pre- 
sence, and then let no one enter until further orders. 

(Exit messenger.) 

Mahomet. You rcust know this Tribute is a man 
weak in nerve, yet extremely ambitious; just the thing 
for us, as we Barbarians, as those Christian dogs call us, 
are not to be outdone behind our own curtain — you 
know we contrive to make them expound each others' 
views, and thus we are enabled to estimate their talent 
and pretensions, and then form our own basis in the ge- 
neral relations accordingly — but here comes the man of 
Tribute to answer for himself. 

Consul Tribute enters, and bows.— Pea.ce and good- 
will unto you. Seignior Mahomet, the trusty represen- 
tative of Hadgi Ali Bashaw, and the descendant of the 
holy Prophet, whose great name you bear — most re- 
spectfully do I now present myself at your call, before 
the Divan of this regency, and have the honour to kiss 
your hand. {Bending to receive this humiliating token 
from the hand of Mahomet.) 



18 

Mahomet. This dftne, Consul Tribute, we greet you 
as the representative of the United Christian Brother- 
hood in tiie West, duly accredited by the Dey and Re- 
gency of Algiers — please be seated in our Christian con- 
sular chair, to which you have for some time been a 
stranger — but we hope you will find yourself perfectly 
at your ease, whilst we concert the best ways and means 
towards a better understanding in our existing relations. 

Consul Truiute. I am highly sensible ol your cour- 
teous civility, {takes his scat.) 

(Jsiile.) In truth, no man of Christian conscience can 
sit easy in this chair of iniquity! Now for a Barbarian 
probing, which I anticipate from the imperious brow of 
scrutiny that now surrounds me! But what can I do? I 
know Mahomet is a daring intriguer with us Christians, 
and over-rules the Divan — therefore, I must do as well 
as I can, where I cannot as well as I would — this to me 
is a solemn pause! 

Chuistian Monitor, (a lean, pnle figure, enters, and 
takes stand behind the consular chair.) — Although I am 
not an accredited agent here, by the rule of Barbarian 
policy, yet am I an invisible monitor, to hear, see, and 
admonish faithfully. Therefore, let reason whisper in 
the Christian ear what conscience should dictate. When 
men in public station are at a loss to reconcile any gla- 
ring inconsistence to the world, directed by ambition, or 
interest, most courtiers reso't to the never failing; idea 
of expediency, in tlie case — this makes some men most 
servilely bend to kiss an unclean hanci! 

Consul Tribute. (asid\) I thought I heard a voice! 
Yet 1 did not perceive any one here in the act of speak- 
ing! 

Christian Monitor. Conscience is not seen, but may 
be felt! 

Consul Tribute. Seignior Mahomet, did you speak? 

Mahomet. No, Consul Trib ite. But let us now to 
business — we must remind you, that your last year's tri- 
bute has been due some time, and your national affairs 
are far in the back ground with us. In short, the con- 
suls of other nations are bidding over you, to obtain our 
much d'^sired fiivours in t'le commerce of tliese, our seas 
— moreover, they have offered to increase our bye pre- 

B 



14 

sents — ^but we still are your friends, and therefore ad- 
vise you to be more liberal in your offers, by which your 
nation, as well as yourself, may be the gainer in the 
end. However, you need not be told the consequences 
of any misunderstanding with the B^y, our master, 
which might be vexatious to you, and unpleasant to our- 
selves in the executive duty! 

(Jiside.) Beware, that we do not deprive you of your 
exequator, and then threaten to ram you into our great 
gun on the marine, and fire you off — this seems to be the 
bug-bear that is to overawe all refractory Christian con- 
suls here! 

Consul Tribute, (aside.) I see from the scowl of the 
prime minister, that he is determined to brow -beat me 
into his measures — this I must bear, knowing the least 
said at Algiers is the soonest mended — so my reply 
must be short, in fair promises: 

Seignior Mahomet — You know the great distance be- 
tween this and our Western continent — this is the true 
reason that our means are not here so prompt as you 
might expect. But I hourly look for our regalia ship, 
with all ti'ibutary dues — not forgetting the powder and 
other munitions of war promised — and as you, my good 
friends, have premised, I shall not be unmindful of some 
further appropriate presents to the Dey, as well as your- 
selves, in ray next biennial offerings — and this submis- 
sion, I hope, will ensure the usual confidence of you all. 

(seats himself.) 
Mahomet. Our patience is almost exhausted by our 
great needs! But we hope this is not the old state of ex- 
cuse used by all you Christian consuls, by way of put off 
to us here. However, now to show you our good faith 
in the plausible apology just made, we, in the name of 
the Dey and Regency of* Algiers, allow you six moons 
more to fulfil all your national dues — and, as you say, 
not forgetting us here in your next offers. 

Consul Tribute. Seigniors, I now, in the name of 
mv nation, return you my best acknowledgments for this 
special indulgence. 

(Aside.) It looked squally, as old Blowhard, my pre- 
decessor here, used to say— but this seems only what 



15 

those Mussulmen call a white squall, and may be seen 
through. 

Mahomet. Remember, all is well that ends well! 

Consul Tribute. In confidence, it should be so un- 
derstood between us — (Jside) but not expressed — and, 
now to prevent them from brooding over the past, I will 
,turn the subject to one that will, in the mean time, tickle 
their palates. 

Seigniors, I have to report, according to your local 
regulations, the arrival of a citizen of my nation, named 
Yankoo — his voyage has been circuitous, from Mocha to 
the Balearic Isles, and from thence liere — and he bi-ings 
a cargo of excellent Mocha, suitable to your market. 

Mahomet. The cargo of coftee, coming from Mocha, 
must be of Oriental extraction — and you say, tnis mer- 
chant is named Yankoo — the name strikes our ear for- 
cibly as from the same origin — at all events, we recjuire 
proof of his coming within your consular jurisdiction. 

{^side ) If we can deprive him of consular protection 
here, we can then manage things to our own interests — 
but have this coftee we must, and this on our own terms. 

Consul Tribute. As to the name, it matters not; but 
as to the man, 1 have known him, and his connexions, 
for years, and vouch for him as a native citizen of my 
nation, and have sent my Factotum to conduct him to 
my consular house. 

Mahomet. If so, we cannot dispute your word. And, 
as you report this Mocha to be good, we j^n-esent should 
like to taste it. However, we are informed by our friend 
David Brokereye, that this article has fallen much in 
price the world over; and, if we purchase, should expect 
the submission of the wliole cargo on such terms as nam- 
ed by him, and accorded by you. {Jside.) You under- 
stand us. 

Consul Tribute. Seigniors, you have long known my 
accordant disposition, and i will see what is to be done 
for your gratification in this instance — but you know it 
does not rest altogether with me. (dside) So here is an- 
other speculative imposition, which may interfere with 
my public duty, if not also my own private views — but 
I dare not come in contact with these Mussulmen — my 
Factotum is the man for such business. 



16 

Mahomet. You know we Mahometans are not per- 
mitted, by the laws of our holy Prophet, to drink ardent 
spirits, and shall want something in our own way, to re- 
gale at the great feast of Rhamadan. [jiside) You need 
not hesitate, we expect this coffee by hook or by crook — • 
as to your conscience, if you Christian consuls have 
brought any here, it has been so often seered in Alge- 
rine sacrifices, that we feel well assured you will not be 
troubled with any qualms on this occasion! 

Consul Tribute. (Jiside) Needs must go where the 
Devil drives. I must therefore put aside the conscience 
of a Christian, and listen to those Mussulmen, that never 
had any — 

Seigniors — As you desire a preference in this cargo 
of Mocha, for the goodly purposes mentioned, I would 
fain contribute to the great calumet of Peace, and thus 
brighten the chain between us — but I must inform you, 
that this citizen Yankoo is a native of an independent 
nation, where every man will have his own say in his 
own affairs. However, I shall place this business in the 
hands of my Factotum, the licensed renegado, whose 
zeal to serve you is well known, and you may deal with 
him as you see fit. (Aside.) Factotum has covered many 
iniquitous schemes here for your benefit — it is true he 
contrives to get his own share in some way. 

Mahomet. But before we proceed, I must now inform 
you that we have made some changes in our customs, 
and shall expect the duties to be paid on this coffee the 
moment it is landed. 

(Aside.) We know this citizen must land his cof!ee 
here — this will fix him for the present, and we know how 
to manage Christians after they a' e within our power, 
and their consular representatives, through hopes, or 
fears, dare not say nay. 

Consul Tribute. In answer to your demand for the 
duties in advance, I must observe, this is not conforma- 
ble to the stipulations of the existing treaty between us, 
and I pray your consideration therein. 

(Aside.) Thus much my public duty requires me to 
say — but I know there will be no alternative but to gra- 
tify your arbitrary and mercenary dispositions — and 
then, if this citizen of my nation should appeal for my 



17 

consular support towards his rights, which may be pre- 
sumed, 1 shall have to battle the watch witli him, and 
you reap the advantage. 

Mahomet, [aside to Solyman.) I perceive that Tri- 
bute appears more conscientious this day than usual, 
and places this business in the hands of his Factotum — 
some artifice must be at the bottom! We must probe him 
further! Oppose my talk; this will appear like free dis- 
cussion in our councils, which the Christians disbelieve. 

What say you, Solyman, as regards the treaty on this 
subject? And what says our own local laws on the go- 
vernment of our customs? 

Solyman Seignior Mahomet — we have recorded in 
the archives of our Divan the treaty in question, and to 
this ett'ect — in the year one thousand one hundred and 
seventy-three of the great Hegira, an'iwering to the 
Christian era 1795 — we, the Dey and Regency of Al- 
jriers, formed our first tributary treaty with the United 
Christian Brotherhood in the West, originally consist- 
ing of thirtet n confederated states, — and in this treaty 
it was thus stipulated: — 

" That all "itizens of said states should have the right 
to trade freely in all our ports, to land an^ merchandize, 
and to reship the same when and where they pleased." 

This is the letter of the law — whatever the spirit may 
be, depends on tiie construction — as to our local laws 
since made on this subject, the}' demand that the duties 
on all foreign merchandize be paid in advance, when en- 
tered at the Custom house. {Aside.) And it will be de- 
cided according to our own rules here, {seats himself.) 

Mahomet. Solyman, this, as usual on your part, 
breathes good faith, and no doubt is conformable to the 
Christian representative that now fares you. 

{Aside.) The Christian smiles! Then, as to us Mus- 
sulmen, let meek conscience sleep, whilst we gain our 
ends! PU stroke my beard downwards gently; this is 
one of our signs, and by which Solyman will know I am 
desirous to hear a little more from his smooth tongue, 
towards the Christian. 

Solyman, {Jsidc.) I understand you. Seigniors— I 
have been further considering tiiis case, on the piinci- 
ples of soiuid policyl It is true, we have the right to 
B 2 



18 

promote our own local views and interests, as done by 
all other nations — yet it behoves us to preserve our good 
name, with our power over the Christian world — as we 
have for a^es governed the commerce coming within the 
ancient pillars of Hercules, which we have determined 
as the line of demarcation in our great tributary sys- 
tem, and issue our Mediterranean passport only to such 
favoured Christian nations as treat formally with us, by 
due submission in the same. 

(■Aside.) I observe our prime minister puts his hand to 
his forehead — this is another of our signals, and shows 
I must end — now for Mahomet's definitive reply to my 
mock wisdom, by way of a Christian tickler. 

Mahomet. Seigniors of the Divan — our oracle Soly- 
man, in his well known temper of good will and good 
faith, seems to have laid down the letter, the spirit, as 
well as the customs and usages of other nations, on a 
fair comparison with our own — yet this must be under- 
stood on the principle of the former just and liberal 
scale of rights and wrongs. Nevertheless, it must be 
taken into view, that this system of political justice has 
been entirely exploded, and the practice of belligerents 
now openly declares, " that might only can give right." 
Whether this Christian dogma may be legally right, or 
morally just, is not for us at present to determine — nei- 
ther can it be for Christians to find fault with our tribu- 
tary system, as long as they, by this rule, plunder the 
vessels of each other on the high s<^as, as well as by 
usurpation on land — as to what is said in their printed 
books on jiirisprudence, it is no rule for us — they call us 
unlettered Barbarians — then why should we trouble our 
heads about their treatises, or written forms, when they 
do not adhere to good faith themselves — and thus it 
would appear to us, that after all the talk and fuss 
Christians make about national honor, it is but a shadow! 
And to conclude, we expect the duties to be paid here- 
after on all merchandize, the moment it is landed on 
our shore — this, consul Tribute, for your special govern- 
ment, as well as all other Christian consuls here. 

(seats himself.) 

Consul Tribute. Seignior Mahomet — this being so 
decreed by you, I must govern myself accoi-dingly— 



19 

(aside) a severe probing, but nothing further, I hope, this 
heat! 

Mahomet. Friends of our Divan — I now, in the ncaine 
of the Dey, dissolve you until his further commands— 
and, consul 'I'ribute, we consider you at present the most 
favoured Ciiristian representative at our court 

[thetj shake hands. 

Christian Monitor. Most subtile Mussuhncn — thus 
do ye always say to the Christian consul, when under 
the influence of your insidious tributiiry probations — 
and thus do they in turn bear the scoff" of those Barba- 
rians, and kiss the rod that awes them into pitiful sub- 
jection! 



SCENE II. 

Consular House of the United Christian Brotherhood in 
the West, at the city of Jilgiers — arms over the door — 
a spread Ea^le. 

Factotum, and citizen Yankoo, enter. 

Factotum. Consul Tribute, this is the citizen of your 
nation, just arrived, and I have, conformable to your or- 
ders, conducted him here, (^e.vit Factotum.) 

Citizen Yankoo. Consul Tribute, I have the honour 
to be the bearer of letters from Don Juan Martinpecker, 
the consul of our nation in the Balearic Isles, directed to 
you — and here are others for different Christian consuls 
resident at Algiers, (.handing them.) Now, sir, having 
some commercial views which brings me to your city, 
I therefore, as the first step, declare myself in due form, 
as a citizen of the Uniled Christian Brotherhood in the 
West — my name is Yankoo — perhaps you may recollect 
me, as I had tlie honour to be known to you in former 
days. 

Consul Tribute. Citizen Yankoo, I do recollect you 
as a native of the city t)f Delphia in the West, and re« 
cognize you as a citizen of my nation, [they shake hands) 
But I m- st now inform you that I have just come from 
the Divan, and singular to relate, hearing your name 
was Yankoo, and coming from Mocha, they have taken 



20 

it into their heads that jou must be of Oriental extrac- 
tion, as well as your coffee — aiid lest this question 
should be renewed here, prompts me to ask the origip of 
your name— perhaps it may have been adopted from 
some local idea; as, for instance, in some part of the 
United States of America, they call the people Yankees 
— none the worse for that, in my opinion, and so would 
Brother Jonathan say. 

Citizen Yankoo. You are right as to my nativity — =1 
am a true Delphian — but as to the origin of my name, I 
can no more answer for it, than Tristam Shandy could 
for his! However, julging from analogy, Yankoo may 
have some affinity, if not the origin to the name of Yan- 
kees, (aside) Thus much for my origin! Now for my 
progress, which is of more consequence to me as a man 
of commerce — I seem to have caused some singular 
queries — but I can excuse a little speculative curiosity 
herein, being fully aware that ambition and interest are 
the two great secret springs to most men's actions in 
civilized society, whatever they may be in a land of 
Barbarians. 

Consul Tribute. Your explanation seems to the 
point, and I give you credence accordingly — please be 
seated — it is many years since 1 have had the pleasure 
of seeing you, but have heard of you in distant parts, 
yet little thought that we should meet at the city of Al- 
giers, {aside) I should like to hear all about this Mocha 
voyage, but I find your answers rather quizical, as you 
gave me a close Shandian rub, for my great uncle was 
named Toby. 

Citizen Yankoo. Chance seems to have brought us 
together— for when I entered the Mediterranean sea, I 
had not the most distant idea of visiting Algiers — but 
here I am, and perhaps it would not be considered in- 
trusive, to let you know explicitly what could have in- 
duced me to venture here. 

Consul Tribute. I am ready to hear, by all means — 
tell your story, {aside) Perhaps I may then ask a few 
questions to suit my own views. 

Citizen Yankoo. In the first instance, I came from 
Mocha with a cargo of coffee for the Mediterrarean 
market — 'his I landed at the city of Pal ma, in the Ba- 
learic Isies, intending to reship it from thence, to some 



21 

adjacent port in Fiance or Italy, where I was assured it 
would command a great price, and good remittance — 
but France and .Spain being then at war, 1 could not 
make a shipment direct from the latter to the former, 
and 1 then concluded to bring part of my cargo here, and 
if I could not sell to advantage, to reship it to Mar- 
seilles, or Leghorn, which I was informed could readily 
be done in Algerine vessels, and I now make free to ask 
your consular advice and friendly assistance in the same 
— you, no doubt sir, are fully aware that we neutrals are 
under the necessity of seeking the best means to secure 
our interests on the high seas, from the vexations of the 
belligerent powers, and more so against the private 
armed picaroons — and my insurance was directed to be 
made no further than Gibraltar — so I am now at my own 
risk, {aside) I find you very ready to hear my stoiy, and 
as you now have it, I hope it will be sufficient to protect 
me and my property from further scrutiny here. 

Consul Iribute. This appears to be a plain summa- 
ry of your case, and I shall, in my public duty, do all in 
my power to aid your views — but withal, 1 must say, 
your prospects, on the whole, look dull! Yet, you will 
liave your own time to look about you here — and you 
will now consider yourself, and concerns, at home under 
my roof — 1 shall direct Seignior Factotum to see that 
your baggage is immediately landed and brought to my 
house. 

Citizen Yankoo. I am sorry to hear of your unfa- 
vourable report as to my prospects here — yet I am truly 
sensible of your friendly oft'ers towards myself and con- 
cerns under your consular roof — but 1 have already had 
some talk with Seignior Factotum to procure me private 
lodgings, as he informs me such may be had in this city. 

Consul Tribute. The licensed Christian houses here 
are few, and not to your mode of living; besides t'ney are 
the resort of renegadoes, therefore neither respectable, 
or comfortable — and 1 see no good reason why you 
should not accept my invitation. 

Citizen Yankoo. Thus explained, I cannot refuse 
your kind oftVrs — and thus encouraged, 1 make free to 
go a little further, anti beg leave to make known to you 
the state of my business here — the vessel in which I 



22 

freighted my coffee from Palma, must be discharged in 
three working days after arrival — the freight and pri- 
mage must then be paid to the captain — I have also 
drawn bills payable by myself here, ten days after sight, 
for about five hundred piastres — and for these sums I 
must provide — I am informed you act as a commission 
merchant here, independent of your consular duty — I 
therefore request to know if it would be agreeable for 
you to receive my consignment, and become responsible 
for those demands, and for which you will have my pro- 
perty to ten times the amount, as security until reim- 
bursed, (aside) You look as if I was asking improper fa- 
vours. 

Consul Tribute. Why, as to advances, money is 
scarce — yet I will stand your security! But I must now 
inform you, that by a late regulation of the Customs 
here, it is required that the duties on your coffee be 
paid the moment it is landed. 

Citizen Yankoo. As to the duties being demanded 
in advance, it is contrary to the letter or spirit of the 
treaty between our nation and this Regency — and I 
must hope that our representative here, will see that not 
any impositions are levied on me in this case. 

Consul Tribute. I must in reply say, that whatever 
demands are made by the customs here, must be paid by 
all strangers — and we Christian consuls are obliged to 
overlook what may be considered small impositions, in 
order to obtain great national pointsl I presume, yoa 
nov*f fully understand me? 

Citizen Yankoo. In truth, I do not comprehend how 
all this can well be reconciled to reason! Pray sir, does 
not the commerce of individuals compose part of their 
national rights? And, in this sease, are not each nation 
bound to protect their legitimate commerce coming 
within the view of their consuls, with foreign nations? 
(^aside) I trust this will convince you that I know my 
own rights at least. 

Consul Tribute. Perhaps, you may be right in your 
opinion— but I am apprehensive this will not avail you 
here, as those in power have so decreed. However, to 
cut matters short, 1 will become responsible for the du- 
ties, as well as other advances — yet I must decline act- 



S3 

ing in your business, but will place your concern in the 
hands of my interpreter, Seignior Factotum, and will be 
answerable for his ability and integrity in the trust re- 
posed. 

Citizen Yankoo. (aside) He consents to become re- 
sponsible, but derlines acting openly in my business— 
this appears strange! Yet, as I have no alternative here, 
I must accept these arrangements. 

I take it for granted. Consul Tribute, that you will 
make the best disposition in my affairs co'nmitted to 
your protection; and matters being tlius umlerstood, I 
will now write to Don Juan Martinpecker, my consignee 
at Pal ma, to send me by the first vessel coming tins way, 
the remainder of my coffee, or the proceeds thereof, and 
by your leave, this may be directed to your care — thus, 
I hope soon to reim')U!se your advances, (asirfp) (3bli- 
gations are the worst of debts in some instances, and I 
hope it may not ti'rn out so liere. 

Consul Tribute. Matters being thus adjusted, no 
more needs be said on the subject between us, for the 
present. 

Domestic announces Seignior David Brokereye. 

Consul Tribute. Conduct him in — now, citizen 
Yankoo, you will have an opportunity to converse with 
our great money changer, and commercial speculator, 
and, perhaps he may take it into his head to deal with 
you — he is a very extraordinary man, and, although he 
can neither read nor write, yet he can, by a string of 
beads which he constantly keeps by him, enumerate to 
a fraction in the most difficult calculations, in a shorter 
time than the most experi^^nced, by the rule of arithme- 
tic, with the use of pen, ink and paper. 

Enter David Broker, a man of middle stature, well set, 
black beard, penetrating i^ye, and commanding coun- 
tenance — he wore a blue tunic, petticoat trowsers, black 
silk scuU cap, and iron bound slip shods. 

CoNsuj. Tribute, [rises) Seignior David Brokereye, 
I am glad to see you under my consular roof, at all 
tini'is — give me leave to n»ake known to you citizen 
Yankoo, a merchant of my nation — apropos! He having 
a cargo of Mocha here for sale, perhaps you may feel 



24> 

disposed to purchase? If not, as you have commercial 
friends at Leghorn and Marseilles, can you recommend 
him to a good market that way? Please be seated. 

David Brokereye. Consul Tribute, I am honoured 
by your free admission, and gratified to shake hands 
with a merchant of your nation — but, as to his cargo of 
Mocha here, it is like taking coals to New Castle, as 
they say, when an article is not in demand — and I can- 
not advise citizen Yankoo where to better himself with- 
in the limits of the Mediterranean market, from whence 
I have the latest advices. 

Citizen Yankoo. Seignior David Brokereye, I have 
heard it spoken in the great commercial world, tl^at 
there was at least one man at the city of Algiers, always 
ready for speculation, and particularly in a cargo of 
good Mocha, (aside) I am aware of speculative artifice, 
but if you have any pride to be considered the great 
merchant, this will touch it to action. 

David Brokereye. The time was, when this may 
have been the case, and even now, bad as things are, 
should you want to barter for a cargo of wines, or oil, 
we might trade, (aside) I am instructed to feel the beat 
of your commercial pulse. 

Citizen Yankoo. If I sell here, I should prefer ster- 
ling bills, as the safest remittance, (aside) You seem to 
be calculating fast, if not deep, by the quick movement 
of your beads — I must be cautious here. 

David Brokereye. Should you have any proposals to 
make, I am to be found at all times of business, (rises to 
depart) Consul '. nbute, I have the honour to bid you 
good morning — the same to citizen Yankoo. (aside) I 
should like your cargo of Mocha to ship to Leghorn— 
bu' Muley Mahomet has turned speculator, and deter- 
mined to have it at his own price — and your consul is 
lukewarm, to say no worse, towards your concerns here, 

[exit. 

Consul Tribute. So I find there is not any thing 
like a bargain to be made between you and Brokereye — 
I wonder at it, as he is generally keen for speculation! 
His capital here, is said to be at least one million, and 
he has also a great house of commerce under the direc- 
tion of a brother at Leghorn — and here the Christian 



25 

slaves all adore him, as he is benevolent and charitable, 
and at all times forthcoming, when called on for ransom 
money — however, it is true, he fixes his own premium, 
and has the guarantee of some Christian consul resident 
at Algiers. 

Citizen Yankoo. But how comes it that Seignior 
Brokereye was so indifferentabout my Mocha? Perhaps, 
it was not worth his notice, or it may be, by his New- 
Castle fetch, he means to blow on my coftee. 

Consul i RiBUTE. This man has much to think of, 
for he regulates all the monied concerns, as well as 
commerce here — in this he is sanctioned by the Dey aiftt 
Regency of Algiers. Tliey also allow him to adjust all 
points of controversy amongst his own tribe, and make 
him accountable for their tribute, or taxes, which is ex- 
orbitant in proportion to their means. He is also nomi- 
nally styled the king of the Jews here, and yet the Al- 
gerines do not allow this useful man, or any of his cast, 
to wear either hat or shoe. 

Citizen Yankoo. Brokereye must have some strong 
predilections to remain here, thus subject to these sel^ 
evident marks of tyranny, as it would appear to me he 
might readily slip off in one of his own trading vessels, 
and take therein all his valuables — and, as I hear he has 
a vessel about sailing for Leghorn, 1 have a good mind 
to ship my coffee there — and there, or at Marseilles, I 
might obtain a suitable return cargo for the island of 
Hayti in the Indies of the West, where I once had com- 
merce, as well as yourself. 

Consul Tribute. True, I remeirber you at Hayti, 
and you may be right in your present projections — but 
you have heard what Brokereye said, relative to your 
roffee — besides, he always loads his own vessels, and 
will take all the profit that comes in his way — now, sir, 
as we have done with business for this day, my horses 
are ready at the door — let us mount and be off to my 
summer residence, about three miles to the west of the 
city, {^side) Tins citizen of my nation seems full of 
projects, and has traversed me over three quarters of 
the globe in a few minutes — but Algiers has brought you 
up, and can teach you a stronger speculative lesson than 
any foreign school you have experienced. (Ejceunt.) 



SCENE III. 

»A beautiful villa, surrounded by a grove of orange trees, 
the fig, and the grape vine, situate on the declivity 
of a high hill, overlooking the Mediterranean sea — 
the flag of the United Christian Brotherhood in the 
West, on the top of the house. 

Consul Tribute, to Citizen Yankoo. You are wel- 
come at Liberty Hall — this is the spot I retire to during 
the summer heats, which are oppressive when the siroc, 
or southeast wind, blows from the Zaharah, or great 
Sandy desert — and this is also my dernier resort in case 
of the plague, that terrible scourge to the people of these 
eastern regions — and no wonder the mortality is dread- 
ful, as the Algerines, like the Turks, are obstinate in 
their Mahometan creed, believing it wrong to avoid the 
well known danger — fatal consequences of unlettered 
credulity! However, thank God, we are free from this, 
or any other contagion, at present! 

Lady Tribute, enters. Hey! who have we here? A 
Christian stranger by appearance — I hope it may be one 
of my countrymen, and that he may bring us news from 
home once more. 

Consul Tribute. My lady, I was just going to send 
for you, to introduce to you citizen Yankoo, of our na- 
tion — he comes from Mocha, last from Palma in the Ba- 
learic Isles, and brings letters from Don Juan Martin- 
pecker to me, and from his lady Donna Antonina, to 
you — and as Yankoo is an old acquaintance, both at 
home and abroad, you will naturally receive and enter- 
tain him accordingly, under our roof. 

Lady Tribute. Citizen Yankoo, as consul Tribute 
says, so we shall endeavour to make your time pass hap- 
pily during your stay with us. {aside) All the way from 
Mocha — that is the place the good cottee comes from— 
I hope he brings a full cargo of this valuable grain; this 
will give a handsome commission to our house; I thought 
something of this kind, as Factotum seems very busy. 

Citizen Yankoo. Lady Tribute, your friendly recep- 
tion is the more grateful to me, as a stranger in this land 
of barbarism, where Christians seem to stand in need of 
consular protection, as well as their hospitality. 



27 ' 

Lady Tribute. I suppose you have, like most stran- 
gers visiting Algiers, formed a strong prepossession 
against the customs and manners of the Algerines, and 
particularly at the siglit of Christian slavery! 

CiTiZFN Yankoo. In truth, my mind was forcibly 
struck the moment I put my foot on shore, to see some 
hundreds of Christians on the marine, working in chains! 
And this must be painful to Christian female sensibility, 
as likewise towards the feelings of the representative of" 
a free and enlightened nation! 

Consul Tribute. We Christian consuls at Algiers 
are the less feeling on this point, as none of the citizens 
or subjects of our respective nations are now slaves, 
otherwise we could not with propriety exercise our con- 
sular functions here. 

Citizen Yankoo. In my humble opinion, from this 
abstracted view arises the evil! As I am fully aware, 
that where personal liberty sutlers the least encroach- 
ment, it may, in time, blunt the finer feelings of the hu- 
man mind! And I sliould suppose there cannot be much 
security to persons or property, natives or strangers, 
under such despotic government. 

Consul Tribute. The ruling power here is arbitrary 
in the extreme, and liable to frequent convulsions — in 
one instance, as the story is told, "seven Deys were 
elected, and decapitated, before they could hit on the 
man to rule them" — and this is only to be done by the 
rod of tyranny, which is his sole protection; for he must 
serve, if elected, or take the most fatal consequences! 
And sometimes the Dey of Algiers does not live to see 
the sun set on the day that has raised him, perhaps, from 
the rank of a common soldier to this elevated station! 

Citizen Yankoo. Are not these imperious conside- 
rations, in addition to the tributary system — strong rea- 
sons why enlightened Christian nations should not hold 
any relations with the Barbary powers? (aside) Perhaps 
you may consider these remarks as not within my pro- 
vince, but as you appear to talk freely on this subject, 
it gives me license, as a citizen of an independent na- 
tion, to speak my sentiments with freedom in return. 

Consul Tribute. The fact is, that from the great de- 
sire of most of the Christian powers to monopolize the 



28 

trade to the Mediterranean sea, they not onlj court the 
Barbarj powers, but pay them well for passport to 
those waters, and this is likely to continue as long as 
commercial interest is the over-ruling principle in this 
system, whatever weaker nations, or individuals may 
think, or say against it. 

Citizen Yankoo. But, setting interest aside, would it 
not be much to the honor of that Christian nation who 
might have sufficient independence to stand forth against 
this debased system, which has subjected the commerce 
of Christians on those seas to shameful impositions, and 
it has also been the means of placing their citizens and 
subjects to unjust bondage and degrading fetters! 

Consul Tribute. It may be said, in answer, that 
what is every body's business, is, in fact, no body's bu- 
siness—and I would advise you not to sport your inde- 
pendent sentiments outside my doors — and whilst on 
this subject, let me give you one caution— that is, not to 
indulge, even in a look, towards the Algerino- women, 
for if detected, you certainly would hazard the jealous 
and vindictive spirit of the men! 

Citizen Yankoo. Excuse my freedom, consul Tri- 
bute, but you know, where Liberty reigns, there was I 
bom, as well as yourself, and where we have the right to 
speak and write our own sentiments, and, above all, to 
look kindly towards the fair sex! However, in this case, 
I shall obey the advice of the representative of my na- 
tion, whilst under his jurisdiction, {aside) And further 
I am not bound, as the laws of nature do not command 
me to shut my eyes, or to stop the organs of my ears, to 
please tyrants! 

Ji domestic enters, and announces dinner on table. 

Consul Tribute. Come, sir, let me show you the 
way to our domestic fare, and there we may discuss this 
subject, towards a better understanding, [exeunt omnes. 



ACT II.— SCENE I. 

Consular House in the city. 

Consul Tribute, (solus) So, I find all the Christian 
consuls in motion about the Dey's palace — something 



29 

must be in the wind! But I shall no doubt soon have the 
Bulljcan and BuUyrock chiefs, or some of their respec- 
tive allies dropping into my neutral premises as their 
usual sounding place — and it is my business to encour- 
age this, in order to understand matters and things well 
here, and thus benefit my own nation. 

Domestic announces Consul Bullycan, representative 
from Bull Court. 

Consul 'I'ribute. Say I am at home, conduct him in, 
and then haste and hoist the flag of our nation, in com- 
pliment to consular visitors, {exit domestic.) 

Consul Bullycan enters, in a blaze of scarlet and gold. 
Good morning, consul Tribute, I do myself the honour 
to call on you. 

Consul Tribute. I consider myself as honoured by 
the visit of consul Bullycan — but, as I see you in your 
full court costume, I must presume you are just fiom, or 
going to audience with the Dey. (aside) No doubt, John 
Bull, some new project with Hadgi Ali Bashaw, perhaps 
against John Crappeau, if not, it may be against my na- 
tion. 

' Consul Bullycan. On most abstruse points you have 
a happy method in guessing; but the nnture of my pre- 
sent visit to the palace would baflle even Christian di- 
plomacy here;however, as I considtM-you a neutral friend, 
I'll tell you. — His Barbarian majesty, it seems, has taken 
it into his head, to send a minister extraordinary to our 
court; and he is to take with him a present of wild 
beasts, to consist of lions, tigtrs, jackalls, ostriches, &c. 
and as they are to go in one of our frigates, my business 
was only to say, that 1 had advices, this vessel would 
be here sliortly; and the Dey answered — "That his mi- 
nister and t!ie rest of the passengers should be ready in 
due time." ha, ha, ha! (aside) This much by way of ap- 
parent candour, as all you Ciiristian consuls seem to 
liave been watching my motions this day. 

Consul Trirute. But you know, it has not been cus- 
tomary, latterly, in the Barbary powers, to send minis- 
ters to Christian courts — and why not send one of their 
own frigates with their minister? (aside) No doubt you 

c 2 



30 

have invited this embassy, and the present of wild beasts 
may be to court a fiesh supply of munitions of war, to be 
directed against the weaker Christian nations, whilst 
John Bull, in the mean time, will profit by the trade to 
the Mediterranean Sea. 

Consul Bullycan. You know it is our consular duty 
to humour those Mussulmen. (aside) You pump me 
hard to find out the business of this day's interview with 
Hadgi Ali Bashaw — -You may know more about it when 
his minister returns from our court; and to prevent fur- 
ther inquiry herein at present, I will tui-n the subject to 
one of a private nature. Appropos! As we are alone, 1 have 
some private business which may concern you — My 
vice consul at Palma, Don Diego Salvador De Rossa, 
remits me a bill, drawn by a merchant of your nation, 
named Yankoo, in favour of Don Juan Martinpecker, 
and by him indorsed in blank, payable in ten days after 
sight here— 1 suppose you will guarantee the payment 
at maturity, as I understand this merchant comes to 
your consignment with a cargo of Mocha. 

Consul Tribute. The drawer being on the spot it is 
proper that he should answer you. {rings the hell — a 
domestic eaters) Pierre, go to Citizen Yankoo's chamber: 
if you find him there, my compliments, and that his pre- 
sence is desired here. Exit Pierre. 

Citizen Yankoo enters. 

Consul Tribute. Permit me. Consul Bullycan, to 
make known to you Citizen Yankoo, the merchant of 
my nation with whom you have some business, 

, Consul Bullycan. Citizen Yankoo, I am happy to 
take you by the hand, at the introduction of the consul 
of your nation. — ^ov/, as to my business; my vice-consul 
at Palma remits me a bill drawn by you, and payable 
ten days after sight here— you will please accept it in 
writing. 

Citizen Yankoo, (receives the bill — writes the accep- 
tance, payable at the house of Consul Tribute, it being 
so understood — hands it back to Consul Bullycan) Thus 
far as to form, sir, until pay-day. 

Consul Tribute. Sir, it is only matter of form, be- 
ing well assured of jour promptitude — (^aside) in Mocha 
grains, if not gold dust. 



n 

Citizen Yankoo. I hope there will not be occasion 
to ask unusual grace, (aside) and from your haughty de- 
portment towards a stranger, I should not have much to 
expect in this way. 

Consul Bully cav. The Algerines do not allow any 
grace either in their own or Christian transactions here. 
(inside) You seem rather independent as a merchant; but 
this is the way of your nation generally: however, you 
will not have your own way, even in your own affairs, 
here. 

Now, sir, permit me to say, I should be pleased to see 
you, v.\\en convenient, at the Bull Garden, about four 
miles to the west of the city. You need not stand on ce- 
remony, as we expect to see all the friends of Consul 
Tribute, as well as himself — (aside) that is when they 
come recommended with good remittances. 

Citizen Yankoo. I am much flattered by your re- 
port, arid honoured by your polite invitation; (aside) but 
it will not be convenient for me, as a stranger, to visit 
you, or your Bull Garden, without written invitation. I 
am not a stickler for ceremony, being a citizen of the 
world for years; but us little folks, as some of you con- 
suls here seem to think us merchants, have our own sen- 
timents and feelings, as well as yourselves; and it seems 
you Barbary consuls also condescend to trade, although 
you receive a handsome salary from your respective go- 
vernments, to prevent such meddling for your own gain; 
andj as I now see you in private confab about your own 
affairs, I will retire to mine. Exit Yankoo. 

Domestic announces Consul Don Sanco from the court 
of Salamanca, and Consul Tool from the court of 
Bra^anza — They enter. 

Consul Don Sanco. Consul Tribute, we do ourselves 
the honour by this call, and are happy thus opportunely 
to meet our good ally, Consul Bullycan. 

Consul Tribute. I am happy at all times to see 
either Consul Bullycan or his allies; but Consul Don 
Sanco, I must presume something extraordinary gives 
me this honour, all in your full court attire. 

Consul Don Sango. You know, " birds of a feather 
will flock together," ha, ha, ha! {aside) You seem proud 



32 

of your neutral plumage — beware the Belligerents do 
not pluck some of your feathers to prevent you from 
rising in the political as well as the commercial world. 

Consul Tool. Consul Tribute may be assured, we 
plume ourselves as being considered the friends of that 
neutral power so much courted at the present day. 
(Aside) This by way of a smoother towards the Spread 
Eagle. 

Consul Tribute. I must say, good friends, you over- 
whelm me in civility — (aside) You look my button hard; 
remember " The eagle sufters little birds to sing." 

Christian Monitor, (enters and takes a stand behind 
a pillar.) So here is the very essence of Christian in- 
trigue — great professions and not one genuine spark of 
sincerity! 

Consul Bullycan. Brother chips, this is all very 
good in its own way, as courteous diplomatists; but beg- 
ging the question — Have you any news? I think it high 
time to look for some very important changes, as the 
political horizon seems heavily charged with the con- 
tending interests of the day. 

Consul Tbibute. What would you, by way of change, 
and to please all parties? 

Consul Bullycan. To please all the world is not 
within the power of human wisdom; and you know John 
Bull is not content long in dull apathy, but like the lion, 
will roar when restless. What say you, Don Sancho; 
how are our combined arms likely to progress against 
John Crappeau in the Peninsula? 

Consul Don Sancho. The court of Salamanca would 
much rather hear the roaring Bull than the croaking 
Frog; and we shall, no doubt, soon hear of great events, 
from the contending powers in the Peninsula, as, by the 
last accounts, a decisive battle was daily expected near 
the great fields of Salamanca. 

Consul Tribute. But, not interrupting the present 
topic, pray. Consul Don Sancho, how come you on in 
your late difficulties with the Dey and Regency of Al- 
giers? (aside) This concerns me more, if not yourself, 
than distant wars, and your allusions to beasts and rep- 
tiles. 



33 

Consul Don Sanoho. To be candid on this point, the 
Dey, through his prime minister, has been probing me, 
as I understand he has you lately; but I have put him 
off with fair promises, until our gallions arrive with the 
metallic treasures from the mines of our Western con- 
tinent — (aside) This is what we diplomatists call gain- 
ing time. 

Consul Tool. But, friend Sancho, may you not be 
disappointed in your resources from that quarter, as by 
the current report, your mines are in the hands of the 
Patriots? 

Consul Don Sanoho. Friend Tool, this query is like 
a two-edged sword, as your own nation are in a state of 
revolution in that quarter — (aside) if not nearer home. 

Consul Bullyoan. Friends and allies, let me be a 
timely mediator — remember tlie most vindictive wars 
have had their origin in some such trifling spar, (aside) 
This is rub and rub hard, in the great family compact. 

Consul Tool. As you say, our ally, nevertheless I 
may be permitted to observe, that as my master, the so- 
vereign of Braganza, is about to move his court to the 
Brazils, we shall thereby be enabled to unite the two in- 
terests, and thus keep all matters quiet there; and then. 
Consul Tribute, nationally speaking, we shall become 
your neighbours. 

Consul Tribute. True, Consul Tool, and my nation 
are not unobservant of the troubled state in the southern 
parts of our Western continent, but we look forward to 
the time when we hope to have peaceful as well as inde- 
pendent neighbours, (aside) The latter idea seems not 
to please yourself or Don Sancho — Consul BuUycan 
smiles, as much as to say, John Bull will have a con- 
trolling maritime influence in these affairs. 

Consul Bullygan. Time only can make manifest 
your several opinions; and. Consul Tribute we have the 
honour to be considered your best friends. (They rise to 
depart — aside) That is, as far as our respective national 
views and interests extend, but John Bull remembers of 
old your independent spirit, and will watch you herein. 

(exeunt.) 
Consul Tribute, solus. 

These Bullycan intriguers style themselves my best 
friends, but the Bullyrock opposition will no doubt soon 



34 

be on the trace of their footsteps, and tell me a dift'erent 
storj; and my part is to hear all, and guard against both 
parties with the Dey of Algiers. 

Domestic announces Consul Bullyrock from the Court 
of St. Cloud — Consul Trimmer from Stockholm, and 
Consul Balance from Copenhagen — they enter — cos- 
tume, blue and gold. 

Consul Tribute. Consul Bullyrock, and ye, his con- 
sular allies, I am pleased to see you under my neutral 
banner. 

Consul Bullyrock. Consul Tribute, the great Em- 
peror, my master, considers your nation his best friends, 
and we, as well as our allies present, estimate your well 
established neutral character — but pray, as we met the 
Bullycan party going out, have you collected any news 
from the movements of the day? 

Consul Tribute. The Bully cans complain of dull 
apathy — but thus much I learned, that a minister is 
shortly to be sent from this regency to Bull Court— and 
it appears the pretext for this visit is, a present of wild 
beasts from the former to the latter! May this not stir 
up Barbarian strife to some of us Christian consuls here? 
Now, pray what news have you to give me in return? 
{aside) This is the way to get at two sides of a question. 

Consul Bullyeook. As to the Bullycan projects, we, 
the Bullyrocks, will always find a counter project, and 
this entre nous, will always operate, more or less, in fa- 
vour of you as a neutral. As to news, I have a matter 
of great import as regards my own natioQ, and may be 
interesting to all present. By my last advices from St, 
Cloud, it is announced, that my master, the great Em- 
peror, has repudiated his first consort, but this with her 
own consent — and that he is betrothed to the daughter 
of the Emperor Francis, and this no doubt by mutual 
consent—therefore it may be considered highly import- ' 
ant in a civil, legal, and political view, and likewise ex- 
pedient, inasmuch as we now may look for an heir to 
our present dynasty! 

Consul Trimmer. Our good allies, this is glorious 
news, as it will extend our great political chain, by a 
link from tlie court of Vienna! 



So 

Consul Balance. Our good allies, I agree with you, 
tliis may be considered expedient policy, but it op<?ns a 
wide field for political speculation! I have been weigh- 
ing matters on all sides ("or some time, and it appears to 
me troubles are brewing in the north, as the Moscovites 
and otiier powers that way, seem preparing for great 
cv^'nts! How far any changes on the continent of Eu- 
rope may eftect us Christian consuls here, time must 
prove. 

Consul Bullycan. You seem in a desponding mood. 
Consul Balance! Remember the great power I represent 
here, protects you — what say you, consul Tribute, on 
this important point? 

Consul Tribute. I must say, as regards my own re- 
lations, the great Atlantic ocean separates our Western 
from the Eastern continent, and this forms a wide and 
friendly barrie' to protect, and preserve us as a young 
and rising nation — but it will depend much on ourselves, 
whether we progress happily! Yet it is to be hoped that 
we have sufficient wisdom in our councils at home, to 
direct the great means within ourselves to a good end! 
As to the atfairs of us Christian consuls in this quarter 
of the globe, I need not inform you, that are veterans in 
these intrigues, that they vibrate on the avarice or ca- 
price of the despotic pow<'r of these Barbarians, and al- 
though unlettered, they seem well versed in all Chris- 
tian policy. 

Consul Bullyhock. These appear natural and solid 
truths, not to be controverted, and we congratulate con- 
sul Tribute on the happy prospects of his nation, and 
claim the honour to be considered as the best friends of 
their representative here, {aside) Politically speaking, 
as there is no friendsliip in trade, and self-interests are 
the ruling principle to ail. (they bow and retire.) 

Consul Tribute, {solus) So much for political in- 
tegrity — for at tiie very moment we Christian consuls 
seem the most courteous to each other here, the stron- 
gest party stand ready to point the political dagger, or 
intrigue with those Barbarians, to gratify some leading 
views towards interest or ambition! 
Domestic announces Seignior Spyder dlU the Dey^s Se- 
cretary. 



^ 



36 

Consul Tribute. Conduct the secretary in with due 
respect. 

[At the entrance of the Saloon, Spyder Mi puts off his 
boornoose and slippers, according to Mgerine custom 
<—he now entered, with his feet and legs bare — his 
costume, a short coatee of sky blue cloth, without cape 
or cuffs — vest of pea green, tvith flaps embroidered — 
breeches of white linen — a turban, denoting his rank, 
and long white beard—as he advanced, he placed his 
right hand on his left breast, as a sign of his inward 
sincerity. 

Consul Tribute, (meets him and takes his hand.) 
Mj good friend, Seignior Spyder Ali, 1 am much ho- 
noured by your visit, and must hope the Dey, your So- 
vereign, is in perfect health. 

Spyder Ali. i he Dey is well, and commands me to 
greet you as his best C&ristian friend, and requests to 
know if you have any news from abroad, as, in truth, he 
places more confidence in what you say as a neutral, 
than he does in any of the belligerent consuls here. 
(Aside) But so he says to you all in turn — we know 
there has been a consular pumping match here, this day, 
and I am sent to pump you— but my own object is to 
touch you for a good present, as I have not seen your 
ready rhino for some time. 

Consul Tribute. 1 am much honoured by this mark 
of your sovereign's confidence, and in return, be pleased 
to present my most profound veneration to the Dey, and 
say, according to the language of the day, although all 
seems dull apathy, yet great events are expected! 

Spyder Ali. This will please the belligerents — but 
pray, may I venture to ask, when we may look for your 
regalia ship? Between ourselves, the Dey is almost out 
of patience, (aside) This, by way of a spur to put you in 
mind of what I expect before I go. 

Consul Tribute. You know this must, in a great 
measure, depend on the winds and currents, which are 
not within our control. 

{Aside) As usual. Seignior Spyder, you come to sound 
me — I know you well, Tarrantula, and to correct any 
bad effects from the insidious poison which you blow to- 



37 

wards us Christian consuls, when your mercenary ava- 
rice is not well fed, [ have made up a golden pill, a w ell 
known charm in such cases! (Drups a roUeau of sequins 
in his hands.) This, my ijood fiiend, by way ot" remem- 
brance, and say to the De\, I shall do myself the ho- 
nour to pay my respects at the palace, on the morning 
after our next Christian Sabbath. 

Spyder All F have the honour to bear your respects 
to the Dey — and, as to my services at the palace, you 
may at all times depend on my zeal to promote your 
views, in preference to all other Christian consuls. 
(aside) That is, as long as you produce more than tliey 
do, of such weighty arguments — but, now to touch off 
the other consuls in ihe same way. (e.vit.) 

Chuistian Mokitou. To a conscientious and disin- 
terested spectator, it wouUl appear, that you Christian 
consuls at Algiers had nothina; else to do, but to outwit 
each other, and that you are all, more or less, most un- 
wit'iiigly paying those crafty mussulmen for this privi- 
lege, whilst they gravely exult by this weak submission, 
as they pocket your money< 



SCKNE 11. 

Consular House in the City. 

Consul Tribute, (solus) So, I find the Algerine mi- 
ni«ter has at length sailed with his piesent of wild beasts 
for Bull Court — we may look out for squalls at his re- 
turn — what a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty, 
is the lot of us Christian consuls here, subservient to the 
worst of all intrigues. 

CirizEN Yankoo, enters. Good morning, consul Tri- 
bute: I have observed great stir amongst the Chiistian 
consuls here, and suppose there must be some immedi- 
ate cause. 

Consul Tribute. True, the consuls of the belligerent 
powers have been in motion, and this has put me on the 
qai vive here, and, as I have already led you into the 
theory of Algerine policy, I may as well let you into the 
practice of their intrigues. 

Citizen Yankoo. I endeavour to be instructed in the 

D 



customs and manners, as well as the commerce of those 
countries I may happen to visit, and should be much 
gratified by your account of the Christian relations v/ith 
the Barbary powers, as this is a subject that has hitherto 
either been misrepresented, or wrapt up iu mystery, 
(Aside.) This is exactly what I want, for I have heard 
of strange doings since my arrival here, and, as 1 find 
you rather a leaky vessel, I shall be justified in pumping 
you out, as it would appear my individual rights, if not 
those of our nation, under your special direction, may 
be more or less at risk in this whirlpool of iniquity. 

Consul Tribute. We have two great belligerent par- 
ties here — John Bull, and John Crappeau, as the Alge- 
rines call them^ — consul Bullycan is the representative 
from Bull court, and consul Bullyrock from the court of 
St. Cloud, and there has been a long standing warfare 
between those chiefs, which should take precedence at 
the Algerine court—or, in other words, which should be 
considered the representative of the most favoured na- 
tion. I am here, as an anti-belligerent, and instructed by 
my own nation to maintain a neutral character — thus 
you will perceive I am only, as it would appear, a looker 
on at these consular sparrings, taking care to keep my- 
self without the leach of a chance shot. 

Citizen Yankoo. True sir, and your consular duty 
must enable you to be higlily conversant in the Barbary 
system, (aside) I find flattery is your weakest side, and 
this may tempt you to let out a little more on this sub- 
ject, whilst in a good humour. 

Consul Tribute. You would scarcely believe it, but 
this is a great political school— for those Barbarians, as 
they are termed, know all the links of the great Chris- 
tian chain, that binds ambition and interest together — 
and they likewise contrive to get informatiou of any pro- 
bable European warfare, and always are ready to take 
advantage of the weakest side, by letting their corsairs 
out to prey on the unprotected commerce of the Medi- 
terranean sea, and sometimes further. 

Citizen Yankoo. But I must hope our own national 
affairs stand well, at present, with the Dey and Regency 
of Algiers, [aside) This is the point that concerns me 
most at the moment — as to your consular sparrings, or 



39 

Barbarian intrigues, I shall not intenneildlc here, but 1 
may venture privati'Iy to note thtMn in my diary, wliich 
I keep by way oT amusement, if not instruction. 

Consul Tribute. It wouhl be difficult to say, when 
any of us Christian consuls here stand safe, as wlien we 
think our respective n;<tions the most favoured, some 
fresh ilust is stirred, which may then require a precious 
shower of the needful, to alla\ the great mercenary 
thirst of those Barbarians — and tlius we Cliristians, in 
turn, have our ebbs and flows in this tide of Mediterra- 
nean intrigue. 

Factotum, {enti'm). Consul Tribute, I am come to re- 
port to you tliat the officer of customs says, there must 
be a clear bill of health from the port Citizen Yankoo 
last shipped his coff'ee, to permit it, as also his baggage, 
to come within the ga+es of our city. « 

Consul Tribute. You must be governed by the regu- 
lations of the port — Citizen Yankoo, please excuse me, 
as I have some matteisthat call my immediate attention. 
{^iside.) I will thus avoid open interference in this busi- 
ness, as I foresee it will give me more trouble than pro- 
fit; and I did not come to Barbary without expecting to 
return home in a few years with full pockets. (e^vit.) 

Factotum. Well, Citizen Yankoo, it appears that 
Consul Tribute has committed your business entirely to 
my charge, and I assure you that I shall exert myself in 
the same, (aside) Fair words until you are within the 
operation of my agency, and then it will be my own 
fault if I do not manage you and your concerns as best 
suits my own private interests. 

Citizen Yankoo. Seignior Factotum, you have been 
strongly recommended to me by Consul Tribute, and I 
suppose it will be all the same wiiether 1 pay him or you 
a fair commission; but one poin; I beg to impress on your 
mind — that is, despatch is the life of all business — ISovv, 
as I have a clear bill of health from Palma, where I per- 
formed regular quarantine, it will acquit me here; there- 
foie, let us see to the landing of my baggage and cott'ee, 
and then for such disposition of the latter as may be 
found to suit my views, {uside) There appears much 
talk as well as form here; and, on the whole, 1 do not 
like present appearances, yet 1 must endeavour to keep 



40 

this renegado, Factotum, in good humour, as he seems 
to have the ear of those Barbarians, equally with Con- 
sul Tribute— whither he sees it or not, is another mat- 
ter. {Exeunt Citizen Yankoo and Factotum.) 



SCENE III, 
Consular House in the city. 

Consul and Lady Tribute seated on a sofa in the Grand 
Saloon. 

Citizen Yankoo, enters. Lady and Consul Tribute, 
this being the first day of a new year, as our good Chris- 
tian custom at home, I now beg leave to tender you the 
compliments of the season. 

Lady Tribute. We reciprocate this friendly civility 
to you. Citizen Yankoo, and may we live to see many 
returns in a land of liberty, where we may enjoy the 
same. 

Consul Tribute. Would you believe, I have just 
been to wish the Dey of Algiers a happy new year; and 
what is better, Christian affairs seem to be in a tranquil 
mood — thus much for the beginning of the year, how it 
will end, God only knows! 

Citizen Yankoo. This is truly desirable, as regards 
your consular relations here; (aside) but, to me all ap- 
pears dull, as regards business — here sis months and no 
sale for my coffee, and no hopes of my getting away 
soon from Algiers; but it would be unseasonable to lisp 
this openly at the moment — to-morrow I must stir up 
Factotum, as he now seems the organ of all my concerns 
and movements. 

Consul Tribute. Notwithstanding you wish others 
a happy new year, you seern dispirited yourself. Citizen 
Yankoo, and I do not wonder at it, as I sometimes get 
the blue devils here myself; but my lady thinks they are 
not so bad as the Algerine devils — ha, ha, ha. 

Lady Tribute. True, those Barbarians do not afford 
us Christians here any amusement — we must find some 
ways and means, within our own circle, to pass off the 



41 

dull hours of winter — Apropos! Citizen Yankoo, T must 
now inform you, that we are this night to have an assem- 
bly of all the consuls and t'leir families; but this will be 
quite in the free and easy style, and, as one of our fa- 
mily, we expect your company witliout formal, written 
invitation — [nside) I mean to surprise you all by a grand 
display this night. 

Citizen Yankoo. Madam, I v/ill do myself the honour 
to add one to your free and easy, (aside) This is rather 
short notice, as I know your curds of invitation have 
been out to others three days; however, now to overhaul 
my wardrobe, which is rather out of sorts, if not thread- 
bare; but I can brush a suit of black, which would be 
considered appropriate even at the court of .St. James', 
so it must be my exterior passport into this courteous as- 
sembly. Exit. 

liADi' Tkibute, (giving orders to her dumestics) Do, 
Pierre, spruce up — you know it is late, and mucli to do? 
Be^in in the grand SaKion — first sweep clean and dust; 
then, have the damask coverings placed on the sofa and 
chairs, and the largest wax candles in the chandeliers; 
next, let the variegated lamps in the passage be well 
trimmed an i touched at the wick with inflammable com- 
bustion; and, Pierre, do have your assistants so placed, 
as to light up at my word of command; and, Pierre, do 
remove the Consul's spit-box, it smells like an old to- 
bacco pipe — Well thought, I must steal his hairy pouch, 
or he will be taking a quid of his pigtail free and easy 

in the face of the ladies — And, Pierre What was I 

going to say? — Oh! do, pray — O Lord, there is a thun- 
dering knocking at the front door — tlie great folks must 
be at liand — light up — Not so bad my transparent scene! 

Consul Tribute, (pnters.) Well done, the magic of 
two words from my enchantress — it has caused a sudden 
transition from tiarkness to light — the great Newton 
himself could not have done more with the same means; 
and 1 suppose your bright motto, Sans sonci, means free 
and easy. 

Citizen Yankoo, (enters) Lady Tribute, you appear 
transcenOanUy brilliant as well as transparent here! 

Lady Tribute, (ivitli arms a-kimbo, vieuing the 

D 3 



43 

scene.) Citizen Yankoo, you are in good time — I value 
your judgment — True, Consul Tribute, as you have in- 
terpreted: Free and Easy is to be the word here to-night, 
and this brilliant idea is to show what we, women, can 
do, and how soon we can be transformed from the domes- 
tic greases to the lady Graces. Gentlemen, your most obe- 
dient, (making her curtsey)- — i^ut, hark! The domestics 
in waiting are announcing the names of our visitors; this 
is all in true style. 

Domestic Pierre calls out audiblji, Consul Bullycan, 
liis lady, and two Miss Bullycans — Consul Tool and his 
lady, and Consul Don Sancho and Miss Betty Tool — 
Consul Trimmer, his lady, and two Miss and two Master 
Trimmers, and Mr. Secretary O'Consequentio — Consul 
Balance, two Miss Balances, and Mr. Secretary O'Sap- 
pio — Consul Bullyrock, his secretary, Count Whiske- 
randoe, and two cousin german Whiskerandoes — They 
enter and make their formal obeisance to Lady and Con- 
sul Tribute, who return the salute. 

Consul Tribute. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have, ac- 
cording to the custom of our Sans soucj, to introduce 
a stranger — This is Citizen Yankoo of ntiy nation, and 
as such, I claim your special notice towards him. (the 
company boiv). 

Citizen Yankoo. Ladies and Gentlemen, I consider 
myself much honoured by your polite attentions, (aside) 
Thus much for my debut; now to leai^n their leading cus- 
toms and manners, then to act my part as fancy may 
dictate; but it would seem to me they are rather stiff to- 
wards each other for Free and Easy. 

Consul Eullyca>:, [aside to his lady.) This is the 
Mocha merchant come here, as it is supposed to specu- 
late; we must try his genius in this night's initiation. 

Tlie Bullycans take a survey of the transparent scene, 
and then ivalk off to one end of the saloon. 

Consul Bullyrock, iviihhis legation, after taking a view 
of the scene, ivalk off to the other end of the saloon, 
and look towards the Bullycans. 

Consul Bullyrock. Ma foi! There seems to be a great 
dismay in the petticoat influence of John Bull, and they 



43 

look us hard. N'emporte; it is true, I have not Madame 
Bullyrock and her daughters to pit against the liuily- 
can«; but they are more in their own element at. home 
near St. Cloud, and I can play my card without them at 
this Sans soiici, and much better in my court relations, 
in times of danger, with his Barbarian majesty; and 
this is my point. 

Consul Bullycan. The Crappeau men look sour to- 
wards us; but they are without their women. Pauvres 
diables, soyez, vous trancjuile, John Bull will not disturb 

}rou, or the rules of tliis Sans souci: our host looks stern- 
y neutral, as much as to say, be quiet all; no russe de 
guerre hexe this night. 

Enter Christian Monito r, and takes stand behind a pillar. 

Christian Monitor. I am not an invited guest, so I 
shall not require to be recognised in this assembly; but 
as I am supposed to be a!i invisible agent, so it will be my 
part to liear and see without feeling; to any mortal of 
sensibility this would naturally be an unpleasant task, 
unless fortified towards some good end; and I shall view 
you all in turn, and atlmonish according to the rule of 
conscience. 

Consul Tribute, (aside to Citizen Fankoo) Plague 
on tiu'se warring belligerents; they will be looking each 
other hard — it may come to hard words; I must make mj 
spe -ch by way of c:der. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, we truly are rendered happy 
by your collected presence under this our neutral ban- 
ner, as equal friends in social harmony, all politics 
aside. Thus much by way of the established order of 
our Sans souci, which makes all here free and eas}^ 

(Jiside) This should put you all in mind that you are 
treading neutral premises, and the peace of which you 
are bound to keep by courtesy, if not by inclination, so 
we hope n()t to hear the roaring of the Bull, or the croak- 
ing of the Frog to disturb the pleasures of this niglit. 

Lady Triuute. Now Ladies and Gentlemen, you 
will no doubt expect my appropriate speech — hem — As 
all consular politics are to be laid aside by the rules 
of our Sans souci, so we ladies, i»v (he same rule of de- 
corum, will strive to bear the palm, and agree that what 



some folks might call scandal shall not even be lisped 
here, and that the ceremony of the great urn, which is 
our first prerogative, shall be enjoyed with that freedom 
but moderation, which should be preserved at the foun- 
tain of all qualified hot water, (back scene opens and dis- 
covers a huge silver boiler smoking hot) Apropos! now 
must I do my best to inspire your sentimental conversa- 
tione, whilst I do the honours of my tea-table, [takes 
her seat) Ladies, here are for your tastes a dish of the 
best imperial, gunpowder, or what is styled the fashion- 
able olack strap; and should the Gentlemen prefer it, 
here is an excellent dish of Mocha at their service; speak 
for yourselves; I wait your pleasure first, Ladies, [aside) 
Now for a dissertation on taste! 

Lady Bullycan. This is variety in the extent, to 
gratify the taste of us all here, in a grateful sip — and I 
must say, that I am imperially inclined, not from pride, 
but because it agrees with my nature, althougli some 
wiseacres pretend to say, that all green tea is slow poi- 
son. 

Lady Trimmer. Give me leave, lady Bullycan, to 
differ from you — I am for the gunpowder, but not for 
war, mind you, as peace is the order of this neutrality — 
as to the poisonous effects of green tea, it must be slow 
indeed, for my great grand mother has been drinking it 
nearly one hundred years, and no signs of deleterious 
affection! 

Lady Tool. Let me compromise yourppinions, la- 
dies — I am for equal portions of imperial and gunpow- 
der, mixed — not that I mean either to blow up, or cut 
down the gentlemen, as they look so peaceably inclined 
here — ha, ha, ha. [Aside.) As mute as if they were in 
the presence of the Dey, and lost their tongues — this, 
for want of their politics. 

Miss Tool. Ladies, I am pleased that you have thus 
settled the point as to green tea — but 1 am for a dish of 
the real black strap— as to colour, it matters not, as all 
are made for use — -not that 1 mean to colour my fancy, 
but black strap is the word amongst the tea drinkers, 
and although we are out of the civilized world at pre- 
sent, yet we must not be out of the fashion 

Miss Bullycan. With due respect to the ladies al- 



45 

ready spoken, I must say, that taste will be arbitrary, 
evfij in this laud of barbarism — as to the imperial and 
gunpowder, tliey are powerful stimulants, and may ef- 
fect lU licate nerves — and as to the black strap, it sa- 
voiM-s buu,siy! So, I am for a pure dish of milk ami wa- 
ter, and 1 recommend it to all ladies who value their 
CO \iplexion. (Jside.) The >oung gentlemen smile at the 
sound of nulk ai\(l water, ami the old ones look grave! 
Kui tlure :d\vays will be a diversity of opinion between 
the olii and the young. 

Miss Tool. Bugijy, did you say? You shock my deli- 
cacy! It has vitiateil my taste — here, waiter, take my 
dish of black strap, and I beg lady Tribute to send me 
a cup of imperial. 

Consuj. Bullycan. Ladies, your reasoning seems all 
acute — yet you puzzle me as to teas, and I never was, 
and hope I never will be a milk-and-water man — I am 
for a dish of the real Mocha — what say you, gents? [the 
word Mocha was resounded.) 

Coxsu). Tribute. I observe all the gentlemen are in 
the opposition to the taste of the ladies, except citizen 
Yankoo. {Aside.) And he looks speculative at the sound 
of the v/ord Mocha — as to the women, they are only sip- 
ping, nut yel sufficiently charged with imperial, gunpow- 
der, or the black strap, or they could not contain them- 
selves thus long, from a little hot water scandal — be- 
ware a blow up presently, as they seem to be laying a 
train, and only want a match, to storm the barrier rules 
of this free and easy. 

Citizen Yankoo. I am sensible of the more refined 
taste of the ladies in the present instance, yet my pre- 
ference is towards Mocha — and, as some i eason may be 
expected from me in this case, I have only to say, per- 
haps it arises from having breathed the air that vegetates 
this luxury of life, and custom is second only to nature. 
{aside) This may be considered refinement, bu: it will 
serve to keep the sulijectof my interests out of the ques- 
tion, as it would smell of the trading shop, which might 
be more ofiensive to the delicate nerves of those Barba- 
ry diplomatists, than the buggy concern. 

Lady Triblte. I cannot yet determine who bears 
the palm as to taste, amongst you, ladies — but this f 



40 

find — you have, as well as the gentlemen, given your se- 
veral opinions, and reasoned strongly to maintain your 
own points— now, I mean to set your genius to work in 
good earnest — out of our present subject a good ronun- 
drmn arises — why may fashionable taste be campared to 
the Dey of Algiers? (^ solemn pause.) 

Christian Monitor. 1 hey seem in deep study, as if 
they were at a loss — I will surprize by a leading solu- 
tion — the Dey of Algiers takes it as a great compliment 
from a Christian lady, to be thus compared, and the an- 
swer may be, they both, in their own elements, are ca- 
pricious and tyrannical! This seems to puzzle more 
than the question. 

Lauy Tribute, (aside) In truth, I did not mean it a 
compliment, and I am indeed puzzled, if not alarmed, 
to know who spoke— I will reply generally, and thus 
not further commit myself. My motives, in the origin, 
seem to have been misconstrued! But the answer is 
near the mark in substance, yet widely different in 
point. 

Christian Monitor. They seem dull of 'Comprehen- 
sion — now to the point — they both are governed by their 
own supreme will and pleasure, at the impulse of the 
moment. 

Lady Tribute. Precisely my thoughts, and seems to 
be the gift of Divination! {Aside.) This must be some 
supernatural agency, but I must not challenge again, or 
I might be laughed at by this free and easy. 

Lady Bullycan. Pray what is the matter ladies and 
gentlemen, you seens all to be struck dumb — I think co- 
nundrums are just the thing to amuse — and what is bet- 
ter, it may prevent us women from becoming tongue- 
tied, in this land of despotic man. 

Consul Bullycan, Woman tongue-tied — this is con- 
trary to nature, for the pliysicians have long since de- 
clared, there never was a case, in fact, where woman's 
tongue was tied, [aside) This is a prober, and will serve 
to put the women's tongues in motion here, and without, 
they never were, nor never will, be free and easy. 

Consul Tool. True, and to pursue the inquiry, our 
modern philosophers have, in their minute discoveries, 
observed that women, although attractive bodies them 



47 

selves, yet incline towards man, when they feel the in- 
spitiiig intlut-nce of thai, imposing reflective power in 
whicli, a& it Ijy magic, they become self magnetic. 

Lady rooL. Mirrors of reflection! This is too much 
for woman to bear — I'll speak for myself — as to such 
uniecling pliysici;ins, they shall not feel tiie b'^at o! my 
pulse — and as to those frigid mortals, the philosophers, 
I would send them, with Uieir magnifi-TS, to the North 
Pole, to spy out new wonders, and there let them remain 
and freeze out their salvation, until they cried our 
mercy! 

Citizen Yankoo. {Jside.) This is severe, but super- 
frostical in the extreme! I must endeavour myself to put 
in a word edgewise, lest I might, like tiiose already 
condemned here, be transported from the soft sun-beams 
of tiie ladies' favours. 

Permit me, lady Tool, to hope, for the honour of our 
sex, that few, if any of them, are in reality of such cold 
and unfeeling nature! Thus much I know by experience, 
that all gallant men make women tlieir polir star! 

Lady I'ool. This sentiment, citizen Yankoo, sliows 
SQmetliing like a congenial spark t(»wards the f lir sex, 
and may you never be led astray by a false meteor! 
(aside) It is well you spoke thus, we thought you no- 
body, not having any thing to say for yourself in the free 
and easy. 

Consul Tribute. Good on all sides — in the rub cour- 
teous, gallant, and aftable — but our conversation seems 
at an end, with the ceremony of the urn — suppose we 
resort to the never-failing expedient of amusement, in a 
game at cards — tlien we may venture to play with kings, 
but you know it is a viangerous experiment to play even 
with the shadow of the Dey of Algiers — silence gives 
consent — waiter, set the card tables, and you may also 
bring out the chess and backgammon boards, tlien each 
will choose their game. 

Lady Tool. I hate all games at cards, except a good 
game of speculation — as to chess, with their scholar's 
mate, their fool's mate, and their stale mate, I leave it to 
those thus disposed — 1 am in a good humour for a game 
of rattle — who plays backgamniour Citizen Yankoo, you 



48 

look towards me, what say you to a challenge from a 
lady, toe to toe? Free and t- asy, ba, ha, ha. 

Citizen Yakkoo. Who could avoid looking towards 
a lady in such inviting mood, and as I consider myself 
highly honoured therein, 1 cannot refuse to face you on 
your own terms. 

IjAdy Tool. Sir, I take it civil by your ready com- 
pliance,'aiid we may now enjoy a little chat in our own 
way, and not tied down to silence, like all grave paste- 
board speculators. 

Lady TRiBuxE. Quickly matched — and if the lady was 
single, we mighi expect some design on the bachelor— 
(Aside.) or his Mocha grains — the first part for your ge- 
nius to work on, as 1 know you are disposed to rattle it 
out with him. 

Citizen Yankoo, {hands a chair for Lady Tool, and 
one for himself at the backgammon table; they are seated) 
Now, madam, permit me to set your men — into which 
tab];- do you play? (asw/e) From the sample of this even- 
ing 1 shall have my match in this rattle-cap; but it is not 
my way to lead, but to follow, and observe the fasliion- 
able movements; and this must be done free, and easy to 
please and to be pleased. 

Lady Tool. It is all the same to me, sir; but we may 
as well play tovrards the best light, as you know we la- 
dies love to show our talents and good works. — [aside) 
By the cut of your cunning eye-winker you seem to 
have some humour; if so, " by the polar star," as you say, 
I mean to quiz you out, as I now find you are only a 
bachelor, and must bear the agieeable, if not the harder 
rubs ill life. 

Citizen Yankoo. True, madam, female talent and 
good works may be compared to a diamond of the first 
wat r, not to be truly estimated in darkness — It is your 
prerogative, as a lady, to throw first — (aside) I'll at 
least endeavour to tickle your fancy, asT now perceive 
you are courting admiration or something else. 

Lady Tool. Mighty gallantly said; but I must now 
attend lo my game (throws sioees) a good beginning! 
(aside) He seems to have the rudiments of the bon tonj 
I'll put him through the nomenclature of all that is free 
and easy. 



49 

Citizen Yankoo, {throws) Six and deuce, not so good! 
as I cannot do better, I'll cut and run from your t..ble. 

Lady Tool. Cut and run from a lady — hem! (throws) 
Quatres! — I'll put a stopper on your straggler, by taking 
him up, and also make the cinque point in my table. 

Citizen Yankoo. Uhraws) Sixes, bad enough, I can- 
not enter. 

Lady Tool, {throws) Cinques — admirable! It takes 
up another of your men and makes two more points in 
my table. 

Ctizen Yankoo, (throws) Cinques for me — worse 
and worse; 1 cannot enter. 

Lady Tool. ( throws) Threes! This makes one more 
point in my table — I am close upon you; nothing but 
deuces can save you. 

CrnzF-N Yankoo. (throws) Not even one little deuce 
for me — Fortune is a slippery jade, capricious to all but 
her chosen favourites. 

Lady Tool, [throws'] Sii and four — just as I would 
have it, and not the first time it has been a lucky throw 
for me — it brouglit me a husband, and it now closes my 
table on you, by the fifth cast. You complain of fortune; 
I hope you have not experienced her frowns in a more 
serious way — patience, sir, patience. 

CiTizKN Yankoo. I am all patience madam, and if 
you are as happy in bearing oft", as you were in closing 
in, it will be all over with me for this hit. (aside) Not 
content to beat me in one way, but must run me hard in 
another — hud I been matched with a single lady, as al- 
ready hinted, I might, or miglit not have had a different 
impulse, and played my <;ame accordingly — but as it is, 
even so must 1 rub it out in your own way. 

Lady Tool. As you predicted sir, my first hit, but I 
shall not be content under the best in three, so you see 
who you have to contend witii — ha, ha, ha, free and easy. 

Lady Tribute. Well done, lady Tool — we have been 
much amused at vour agreeable contest — now, let me 
recommend some refreshments — as they are at hand, 
citizen Yankoo will have the honour to help, not for- 
getting himself, as he may stand in need of fresh cour- 
age, to a challenge in repeat from a lady— this is the 
way to be free and easj* — ha, ha, ha. 

£ 



50 

Citizen Yankoo, rises. Lady Tool, excuse mj pre- 
sence, whilst I attend to the salutary advice in this case 
provided by lady Tribute, for you, as well as rnyself. 

Consul Tribute, (rises from the card table.) Come, 
citizen Yankoo, let me show you the way to the side- 
board — here are sherbet, sangaree, hot punch or wine, 
and some excellent cordials — and whilst you are help- 
ing lady Tool, I will attend to the rest. (Aside) Give it 
to her in her own way — my lady says you are well 
matched in the rub courteous. 

Citizen Yankoo. As you recommend, consul Tribute 
— now, lady Tool, to whicli of these good things may I 
help you — let me see what have we here — " la veritable 
parfait amour," as the label on the bottle denotes — this 
must be the thing itself for a lady, [aside) And I am 
fairly licensed, by the master and mistress of ceremo- 
nies, to give it to you. 

Lady Tool, The refreshments are all inviting, but if 
I understand the real English of " la veritable parfait 
amour," it is the true cordial of love — at all events, I 
will take a small glass of the cordial, and leave the love 
part for the young ladies — but I would recommend a 
large glass to yourself, citizen Yankoo, being, as we are 
just informed, a sorry bachelor — perhaps, more intent on 
cent per cent, than the art of making love, (aside) The 
report here is, that he is a rich merchant, all the way 
from Mocha, with a cargo of that valuable grain for spe- 
culation — and my maiden sister Tool, says she has a 
great mind to set her cap at him, and for this I am now 
trying his spunk by a free and easy parley. 

Citizen Yankoo. As you please to command me, 
madam, in your taste — but it is said to require some 
commerce, if not art, in the world of fashion, to know 
when and where to make love! [ha7ids a glass of cordial 
to Lady Tool, and takes one in hand himself.) Now, lady 
Tool, permit me the honour to pledge you in sentiment 
— "may we live, love, and laugh all the days of our 
lives" — this is my way to be free and easy. 

Lady Tool. Bravo, Mr. Bachelor! It is never too late, 
a wel -seasoned old beau is more to be depended on 
than the sappy young ones! No reflection on the present 
company, only free and easy — what think you now. 
Miss Tool? 1 think it will dol daside) You know what I 



51 

mean, a good spec lu Mocha <;rains — but it has one ob- 
jection! The fashionables may say it smells of the Mo- 
clia sliop — I have the salvo — make the Mocha man a 
consul, and this will make Miss Tool a consul's lady. 

Miss Tool, (./mi/j/^s up from the card table.) I de- 
clare, I do not know wliat to think of it; you seem to 
have all the fun on your side — this is tantalizing; come 
Miss Bullvcan, what say ytm to a glass of this veritable 
parfait amour — you look like the anxious hours of hope 
and despair! Come, be free and easy. 

Miss BuLLYCAN. {Jumps up from the card table.) I 
declare. Miss Tool, you have put me all in a flutter — I 
was just thinking if I was not too young! But no matter, 
come on, I will take a taste of this lovely cordial by way 

of raising my spirits! And then {aside) Heigho! I 

had like to let out a secret! But I overheard papa say to 
mamma this very day, "that 1 should not be married until 
I was out of my teens," and I am now only just enter- 
ing them — seven long years, and no help for me, as 
there is no chance for a trip to Gretna Green, in this 
desert land — for as to Mr. secretary O'Consecjuentio, or 
Mr. secretary O'Sappio, we young ladies might be in the 
vocative, as they, liKe the dandies, love themselves more 
than our sex. 

Citizen Yankoo. {receives lady TooVs ^lass, and re- 
turns it, with his own, to the sideboard.) [_aside'^ Ah! I 
perceive here is something like fun on foot, between a 
miss in her teens, and one in the wane. 

Miss Bullyoan. [^ivith a glass of cordial in hand."] 
Here comes the bachelor — suppose we give him a cor- 
dial quiz, by way of a match to liis parfait amour? Well, 
here goes in plain English — " love and opportunity" — 
this certainly must bo free and easy, [they dritik.'] 

Miss Tool. It is lovely; and if the old bachelors would 
take a hint, and make yours their sentimental motto, 
there might be fewer old maids, if not young ones, the 
world over. 

Citizen Yankoo. If I understood right, "love and 
opportunity" is the word with you, ladies — if so, may 
the smiling graces meet a happy return. 

Consul i ool. [_risesfrom the card tahle.^ This plea- 
sant repartee over their cordial glass, puts me in mind 
that a drop of comfort would not harm me — citizen 



52 

Yankoo, you seem hard run between the old and the 
young ladies — beware my better part, for I am at best 
no match for her at the rattle, [^aside'] Many solemn 
truths are spoken in jest, for she is a teazer. 

Citizen Yankoo. Sir, I cannot say vi hat effect the 
cordial shot from the young ladies may have — and not- 
withstanding your caution, I must, as a point of honour, 
adjust the challenge direct, toe to toe, with your good 
lady, [aside] One at a time would be the fair thing — it 
does not concern me how you and your better part are 
matched, but I clearly perceive more seems intended 
than said, by your sprightly dame, if not others here — 
and 1 must, as an invited guest at this free and easy, 
respond to all advances, taking care to keep myself 
within the pales of the given latitude, [returns to his 
seat.] Now, lady Tool, it is with you to renew the play, 
having won the first hit, and I intend to do my best; I 
was going to say, to beat your ladyship, (aside) What 
now, her eyes flash me full in the face? 

Lady Tool. Mighty courageous all at once — here 
goes then, {throws) and "by the great Mussulman's 
beard," and that is a sacred thing for man to touch here, 
but I will outdo you if in the power of woir an! You look 
me hard, but I mean as I say, upon my say so — what 
was my throw? Oh, I remember, aces, the best of throws. 

Citizen Yankoo. (aside) Monstrous! How like a sul- 
tana she looks! And swears by the great Mussulman's 
beard — I must indeed mind my hits, as she threatens 
most imperiously! [throws'] Deuce, ace, a bad begin- 
ning. Madam, as to your say so, I consider it a sacred 
point! But as to this hairy appendage you invoke, I'll 
say nothing, it not being for man to touch — as you say. 

Lady Tool, [throws] Deuces — the deuce take it, I 
mean the throw — I am in a quandary! I'll take you up, 
I mean your man, and thus place you in statu quo, as 
the diplomatists would say, besides making a point in 
my table, and the fourtii deuce forward from your table. 

Citizen Yankoo. {throws) Cinques, not so bad — I can 
now take you up, and make two points in my table, and 
may thus prevent your arriving so speedily at your ne 
plus ultra. 

Lady Tool. Stand fast, sir, and look to your game — 
you have a man to enter, and this you cannot, as the 



5S 

cinque point in my table is foreclosed, (throws) Threes; 
good, I take you again, and make another point in my 
table. {ashU') This citizen is running me in my own ele- 
ment, and playing with consular terms, as if he expected 
preferment — if so. Miss Tool should be his mark. 

Citizen Yankoo. {throws) Aces — doublets, in toto, 
but they avail me not. {Jside) Some men would not 
sleep sound after such rebuff' from a lady, but we bache- 
lors must stand the brunt of female rubbing, and even 
value ourselves, the more we are refined by their ordeai 
fire! 

Lady Tool, (throws) Fives — this makes another 
point in my table — there remains but one point open 
now for you to hit. 

Citizen Yankoo. (throws) Deuce, ace — I have it in 
quantity, but not in quality. 

Lady Tool. [Jhrows'] Sixes — I cannot do you further 
harm on this throw, but beware the next, if fortunate to 
me. 

Citizen Yankoo. {throws) Here are sixes, but they 
leave me still as you have placed me, in jeopardy, {aside) 
Or your statu quo! This is truly a high scene, and the 
point with me now is to humour it out, as I cannot back 
out without losing ground, at least with the fair sex 
here — then I might not feel altogether free and easy. 

Lady I ool. [throws'] I have it, fives — this closes my 
table on the sixth cast; had I c-iUed on the chances to 
favour me, and they came accordingly, it could not have 
been more fortunate. 

Citizen Yankoo. True, madam, and you now will 
have all the play to yourself, unless by mishap you 
chance to blot — not that 1 even wish this misfortune to 
a lady. 

Lady Tool, [bears all her men off before citizen Yan- 
koo enters, and gets his men round into his own table.'] 
Fairly gammoned, sir — victory for the fair sex! ha, ha, 
ha. {aside) This citizen stands the banter well — but I 
must quit, as I see my old man looks hard this way— no 
harm done, only free and easy with the bachelor — his 
next hit may be with Miss Betty Tool. 

[rises from the table. 

Citizen Yankoo. [rises] Lady Tool, I have to con- 
E 2 



54 

gratulate you on your success, as well as great profici- 
ency in the rattle — and I have this consolation myself, 
in great attempts it is noble even to fail. (Aside) Thus 
much I have learned in my observations and peregrina- 
tions through the omnifulgent scenes of life — that it is 
the most interesting, if not delicate of all other situa- 
tions, for a single man to be in with a fashionable woman 
in her supreme sway — 'to say unto her just enough, and 
not one word more — whether I have hit this nice point, 
or not, I must leave for the free and easy to determine. 

Lady Bullycan. Well, lady Tribute, as the evening 
seems far advanced, I think it time for all sober and 
discreet Christians to be in motion towards our respec- 
tive homes — but, as we have not our chariots and flam- 
beaux in this land of Barbarism, we must even call our 
dragoman, with his great paper lantern, to show us the 
way to foot it home — free and easy, ha, ha, ha. 

Lady Tribute. Good friends all, it is quite early to 
break up; we might enjoy at least one hour more; but as 
you seem to be on the movement homewards, this, our 
Sans souci, gives you ingress and egress on equal terms, 
with our best thanks for your social company. 

Christian Monitor. Christians, much may be said, 
and little understood, where ambition and stratagem 
are the secret springs to action; yet it is admitted, that 
mirth, wit, and good humour, are the leading features in 
all refined Christian society of free and easy; and as your 
sportive moments seem to be at an end fos the present, 
I give you this, my summary monition, " May the even- 
ing's diversion bear the morning's reflection." 



ACT IIL~SCENE L 

Consular House in the city. 

Citizen Yankoo. (solus) Here am I waiting for the 
Consul's man, Factotum, but he seems to have so much 
running to hear, see, and talk by t!ie hour to others, that 
he, as usual, must have forgotten me and my business — 
I'll ring him a pealer this heat! 



55 

JSnter Factotum. 

Factotum. Citizen Yankoo, I beg your pardon for 
not being as punctual as you might have expected; but 
some very important matter detained me. (aside) I had 
the honour of a talk with Mr. Secretary O'Consequentio. 

CrnzEN Yankoo. Seignior Factotum, it is now many 
months since you have had my business in charge, by 
the recommendation of Consul Tribute, and yet nothing 
done — procrastination is the thief of time, not to be re- 
gained; and I must hope it may not turn out so here — I 
do not like this lingua Franca put off of manyana, or to- 
morrow, which has been rung in my ears daily since 
my arrival. 

Factotum. I should suppose, by this time you have 
learned that the folks move poco, poco, or slowly here. 
I have not as yet had any offers for your coffee; but I have 
given samples to the x\lgerine speculators, and some of 
them have promised to call this very day, and this is 
about their usual hour of business — (aside) Good! he 
waxes warm. 

Domestic conducts in two Jilgerine speculators. 

First Speoulator. Seignior Factotum, we call on you 
here, according to promise, to know the terms of the 
Mocha you have for sale; but it has been a long while in 
your hands for sale and no purchasers — this is a bad 
sign. 

Faototum. Seigniors, thisis Citizen Yankoo, the owner 
of the coffee, and he will answer vou. 

Citizen Yankoo. Seigniors, in answer to your insinu- 
ations, I must say my Mocha is of the first quality, and 
my terms will be fair and reasonable, which, as mer- 
chants, you will readily understand — I expect the first 
cost and charges, and the usual advance for the risk 
and trouble in bringing the produce of a distant roantry 
to your market — all these matters have already been ex- 
plained to Signior Factotum, and he will now regulate 
the exact price with you in Algerine weight. 

(Aside) I make this reference to see how he will ma- 
nage with you to my face, as I have my own opinion of 
some intended deception. 

Second Speculator. Christian, your talk of costs, 
charges, and advances are enough to frighten us — and 



66 

besides Moclia has fallen much in price, and we are 
dealing for others as well as ourselves. 

Citizen Vankoo. It matters not for whom jou are 
now dealing, provided you come to my terms and pay 
down the cash, (aside) I should not be surprised even 
if Factotum was one concerned. 

First Speculator. The price. Christian, the price, 
as to the ready rhino, we can shell out when a good 
bargain offers; but in the value of all imports we are go- 
verned by our great merchant, David Brokereye, who is 
the organ of all commerce here; and Seignior Factotum 
understands all these things, if you do not. [aside) This 
is plain enough. 

Citizen Yankoo. Signiors, it signifies not — no doubt 
you are all more knowing than myself here; but my 
mind is made up on the principles already given you. 

(aside) I now plainly perceive, by your appeal to Fac- 
totum, and the cut of his eye back to you, by way of 
answer, that he must be in your views against my inte- 
rests — if so, he must be a villain in grain, although so 
strongly recommended by Consul Tribute; and he also 
must be mistaken in his man Factotum, or I have been 
in his principal — bad enough in either case! 

Second Speculator. Christian, as we are not likely 
to agree at present, we will call passa manyana. 

Citizen Yankoo. Seigniors, you are at liberty when 
you please — (aside) So you have now gotten from your 
first watch word, manyana, to passa manyana; but as 
to-morrow is not, so after to -mori'ow may never be. 

Exeunt Speculators. 

Factotum. I must declare to you, Citizen Yankoo, 
that my patience has been tired out, if yours has not, by 
these Algerine merchants; but my opinion now is, they 
will not make a direct offer, as they know full well you 
have not a vessel here to take your coffee away, (aside) 
And they also know full well, that if you attempt to 
freight it, you will be counteracted in some way; and 
have it we must at last on our own terms. 

Citizen Yankoo. As you say, those merchants, if 
they can be so called, appear triflers, if not worse; for I 
must now tell you, that I know the retailing price of 



57 

coftee has risen here since my arrival, and this should 
govern the wholesale dealers, if fair, {aside) I hope you 
will not make it necessary to speak plainer towards your 
special duty, as my reputed agent; if you do, perhaps I 
may not be quite so delicate as I have been. 

Factotum. I feel much for your bad prospects, and 
Consul Tribute has also expressed the same feeling to- 
wards your concerns here; but you know little can be 
done when times are hard, and money more in de- 
mand than any article at market; and what is worse for 
you, no hopes of a change; therefore permit me as a 
friend, as well as your factor, to advise, that you sell out 
at the first offer, and that you even lower your tone, in 
order to meet advances. 

Citizen Yankoo. I thank you for your zealous advice, 
as well as Consul Tribute for his kind expressions to- 
wards my concerns, and when I meet a direct offer, I 
shall then know how to govern myself; more needs not 
be said between us at present on this subject, {aside) [n 
truth it looks like rogues all here. 

Factotum. jSo harm done I hope, my good sir; you 
have been, and still are the judge in your own concerns 
under my care, and I, as your faithful agent, always 
stand ready to obey your commands. 

(aside) You may enjoy your own opinion, but I will 
have my own pickings out of this concein, as we contrive 
to secure to ourselves all the profits, at least from ad- 
venturers; and if you get oft' with first cost you may think 
yourself fortunate; and should you, in your proud or dar- 
ing spirit, dare to challenge our proceedings openly, it 
will certainly cost you dear, if not bring you into serious 
trouble. 

Christian Monitor. Apostate Christian renegado, 
you have long been the hardened instrument of Barba- 
rian intrigue and sacrafices, in Christian concerns en- 
trusted to your agency; but when your base career is run, 
there will come a day of retribution! 



SCENE II. 

Pavilion on the Marine. 
Mustapha, the minister of marine, and Hassan, the com 



58 

mandant, seated smoking their long pipes at the door, 
overlooking the slaves at work. 

Hassan, {commandant, to the slave keeper) Blackbeard, 
see that you keep those Christian dogs hard at their 
daily task, for they will be chattering to every stranger 
that passes, and we now see that independent Citizen 
Yankoo walking on the marine platform; he is no friend 
to the Barbary system, and he seems, at this, moment to 
cast a scrutinizing glance towards our slaves, as if he 
would, if he could, willingly assist their escape. 

Citizen Yankoo. (solus) This being considered a pub- 
lic walk for Christian merchants, as well as others, I 
come, as usual, to hear and see what is going on in the 
way of business; but 1 wish my sense of feeling had 
been left at home: the sight of Christian slaves, and 
some working in chains, is degrading to human nature, 
and causes my blood, as a freeman, to revolt. — Here 
comes one this way! 

Slave, {advances, and presents his red cap) Christian, 
of whatsoever nation you belong, I make bold to ask 
your charity towards a suffering captive, who has seen 
better days in his native land. 

Citizen Yankoo. Fellow Christian, I am from the 
Land of Liberty , and feel for you and your companions 
in captivity — here is a piastre, and all the money I have 
about me; would it were more for your sake, (aside) 
Poor fellow, if the countenance is a true index to the 
mind, yours speaks more than words — 1 would fain hear 
your history. 

Slave. Christian, I thank you in the name of him wha 
watches all our earthly actions, and will reward accord- 
ingly. 

Citizen Yankoo. Mine is but a small mite, and fully 
rewarded by your grateful acceptance. But may I now 
in confidence ask a few questions? Pray, what number 
of Christian slaves does the Dey hold at present, and 
what is your treatment? This is not the idle curiosity 
of a traveller, but intended towards a good end which 
time may disclose. 

Slave. As I see my keeper engaged in talk with the 
minister and commandant of marine, I will gladly obey 
your goodly request. Hear then the sad tale; and I pray 



59 

you bear evidence to the Christian world, for, without 
some such friendly interference, many of us now within 
your view must be doomed to drag out a life of misery, 
in Barbarian slavery. Tliere are at present about one 
thousand five hundred Christian slaves in the city of 
Algiers — as to other parts of this regency I cannot say 
— One half of those here are Portuguese, and expect 
shortly to be ransomed by tlieir nation — the remainder 
are Sicilians, Sardinians, and Neapolitans. I am a Sar- 
dinian by birth, and about ten years ago had the misfor- 
tune to be taken out of my bed in the dead of night by 
the boat's crew of a Barbary corsair: as this is their 
practice on the unprotected shores of the islands of the 
Mediterranean, they sometimes take otF whole families, 
and all their valuables — My wife and chiUiren happened 
to be on a visit to some friends in the mountains, at the 
time I was taken; and when I shall see them, or my 
country again, if ever, God only knows! — Excuse me, 
sir, if the ties of nature cause me to shed a tear. 

Citizen Yankoo. Keep good heart, and hope for the 
best. — It is true, liberty is a great blessing, and you will 
know how to value it the more when you gain your free- 
dom, which God send may soon be. But pray, as to your 
treatment here? 

Slave. It is bad enough — we are all turned out to 
work at sunrise, the year round; our daily allowance 
two small rolls of hard black bread, such as this; {hold' 
ing up a crust) and this hard mouthful, with water, is our 
bare subsistence, unless we happen to get a little money 
by hard begging, and then, if our keeper finds it out he 
forces it from us. The gates of our city are closed at 
sun down; then we are counted over and locked up in a 
miserable damp hovel, like a durgeon; and if any of us 
happen, from inability, or other causes, not to have done 
our task, or in any manner displeased our keeper, he 
calls us Christian dogs; and if we complain of our hard 
tieatment, he loads us with fetters — this, you see, has 
been my hard fate: — by my wrists and by my hands, 
you may also judge that I have not been used to hard la- 
bour in my younger days. But I must be off', as I see 
Blackbeard, our keeper, coming this way hot foot, and 
he is a cruel Algerine, worse than any Turk, as all 



60 

Christian slaves here can testify; and I must now hide 
my money, for if he can find I have been thus successful, 
he will certainly plunder me; but I have a small pocket 
in the inside of my shirt — there must I snug it. 

Citizen Yankoo. This is indeed a sad tale, and 
seems to have a strong and just claim to be heard, and 
redressed by the Christian world — but where ambition 
and interest intervene, the better principles of the hu- 
man mind are slow to move, even in so good and pres- 
sing a cause. However, I would recommend that you 
keep up your own spirits, and cheer those of your de- 
sponding companions — this will, at least, serve to make 
your time pass the more pleasantly — in the meantime, 
remember the name of Yankoo; he will not forget you, 
or your story. 

Slave, (as he goes off) My name is Lorenzo, (aside) 
The last words of this Christian were, " remember the 
name of Yankoo" — this must be his name; I shall not 
forget it, or his advice, as he pledges himself not to for- 
get me or my story — ^by this, he means to tell it to the 
Christian world! If so, I may have some hopes, — ^if my 
friends are not all dead, it will, through the public prints, 
get to their ears, and move their pity towards my ran- 
som, [^eoeit slave.'] 

Citizen Yankoo. (solus) The story of Lorenzo has 
made a strong impression on my mind! I will now slily 
watch the meeting between him and his keeper, to see 
the issue. 

Black'beard. (j^ursues the slave, overtakes and gives 
him several severe strokes with his staff.) You impudent 
Christian dog, how dare you stand thus long to palavre 
with stiangeis? The old story, I suppose, about your 
slavery and Algerine treatment — we know that Chris- 
tian, and he had better beware how he meddles in af- 
fairs here — what was your talk, ?nd tell instantly how 
much money he gave you, as I saw him drcp something 
in jour cap. 

Slave. Seignior Blackbeard — as to the man, T know 
him not, any more than he appears to be a Christian 
stranger — it is true, I begged him for charity, and he 
kindly gave me a small piece of silver, for which I 
thanked him — this was our talk, (aside) I must not tell 



01 

the whole, truth to this petty despot, as I should not only 
lose all my money, but get the bastinado, if not fet- 
ters — and perhaps bring this Christian who has befriend- 
ed me, into serious trouble. 

Blaokbeard. Let me see this small piece of money; 
come, shell out, or I'll give you the weight of this, more 
heavy than the first sample, {raises his staff.) 

Slave, [tak-es the money from his husoiu, and hands it 
reluctantly) I pray you. Seignior, not to keep it. 

Blackbeakd. Is this all? 

Slave. All, on the word of a Christian. 

Blackbeakd. I liave a great mind to search you, for 
I know you beggars will lie, and you only beg money to 
get drunk; I'll save it for a better purpose, for, bad as 
you are, it will require a thousand such pieces to ran- 
som you — now, oft' to your task, and if it is not done be- 
fore sun-set, wo be unto you for having wasted your 
lime! 

Slave. Pray, Seignior, let me have only half this pit- 
tance, to get me some little comforts, for you kno\v I 
have not been in health for some time, being overstrain- 
ed by heavy burtlit-ns. 

Blackbeakd. An overstrained lie, you mean — I sup- 
pose this is the way you got this money, and then at- 
tempt to fudge me oft' that you had only a small piece of 
silver — and for this deception, you sliall not have even 
a mezoon — I know you want to buy rum, for this is your 
comfort! 

Slave. Seignior, if you think so, I pray you, in God's 
name, let necessaries be purchased for me out of this 
money, as 1 am nearly heart broken, and you may soon 
lose me in good earnest. 

Bl-vckbearo. Holil your pitiful tongue, you vile dog 
and off to your work, {^iveshim sev^ral hard strokes.) 
Tliere, take that, and if you growl more at me, I'll ad- 
minister tlie bastinado to keep you moving, and thus 
keep you alive. 

Slave, [as he walks off, aside) Hard hearted monster, 
you have taken from me, in ten years, more than is de- 
manded for my ransom! Formerly there was some little 
honour amongst you thieves, but now you take all! But 

F 



62 

it is useless to plead misery to those who have no fee- 
ing, so I must even grin and bear it! (exit) 

Blackbeard. (suliis) In truth, I should not like to lose 
this Lorenzo, for he is the best beggar 1 have, (surveys 
the money) Some of my rascals bring me counterfeits— 
this looks like good silver, and a good prize for me; such 
a piece is seldom given to our slaves now-a-days; for- 
merly, Christian si rangers would not stand long to give 
them a golden zequin; then I had good pickings, and 
could allow my beggars a small portion, to keep them 
from hard growling, {wcdks off.) - 

Citizen Yankoo. [solus) 1 have seen enough to con- 
vince me in the truth of Lorenzo's story — this petty 
buccanier has not only robbed, but severely beaten this 
poor slave — cruel Barbarian! I hope there will be a day 
of retribution for this much-injured captive, as well as 
ail others held in unjust bondage — I was resolved, and 
this will determine me, to tell the tale of their suffer- 
ings, that moment when I once more reach the land of 
freedom; and, if I possibly could, I woul i stir up all the 
Christian world against the tyrunnical system of tribute, 
to support a piratical banditti, which is the origin of the 
present degrading scene, and many other evils and hor- 
rors, to the citizens and subjects of Christian nations! 
But I have already been cautioned by the consul of my 
nation here, not to sport such independent sentiments 
outside his doors — respect to the constituted authority 
of my country, may, in prudence, forbid my speaking 
openly; but it is not within the power of man to over- 
rule my thoughts! 



SCENR in. 

TVie Dey's Valace, saloon of the Seraglio. 

Curtain rises, and discovers two beautiful young Vir- 
gins, just arrived from Georgia and Circassia, seat- 
ed on asopha, under a rich canopy, waiting an inter- 
view with Hadgi Mi lashaw, the Dey of Mgiers, a 
little decrepid old man, with a long white beard, much 
addicted to the use of opium, and other stimulants. 

Gteorgiana. Well^ my friend Circassiana, here we 



63 

are arrived at last, bv the help of a strong Levanter, to 
our point of destination, ami thus seated in state, wait- 
ing the approacli of Iiim, whom we are henceforth most 
servilely bound to cousider our earthly lord and master! 
But wliich of us is first to become the object of the Dey 
of Al<;iers' favours, is yet to be determined — I would, 
from the purest of all motives, rather be excused this 
honour! 

CiRCASSiANA. And I also, my friend Georgiana — but 
I suppose we are not to be guided by our own likes, or 
dislikes here, however reasonable — they say the Dey has 
a legitimate wife, and many concubines, who are all 
equally doomed to drag out a miserable existence, un- 
der the capricious humours of this bearded tyrant! — 
hark! Some one is coming; how my heart beats, but not 
for joy. 

HADGt Ali Bashaw, (enters, smiling) Good morning 
to you, my charming sweet black-eyed virgins, my high- 
est expectations are gratified at first sight; you will be 
to me a heaven on earth; you look as fresh as this rose. 
{handing one to each) But now, I would know which is 
most desirous to receive the first marks of my affection 
and flavours. {^Iside.) But this I have determined for 
myself, (drops a white handkerchief at the feet of Geor- 
gian-i) This for you, fairest of the fair! Expect me again 
at seven in the evening — in the meantime, amuse your- 
selves together, and command what tlie palace affords, 
and it shall be forthcoming — I will now order my trusty 
female domestic to attend your calls, (rings the bell, a 
slave enters) Kattarino, let it be now your only care 
to attend on these, my newly-acquiretl young virgins 
— provide for them the very best of all refreshments, 
and every other matter and thing, which can possibly 
atld to their conifort and happiness, (as he retires) 
Remember, Georgiana, "at seven in the evening." 

[^ejcit Dey. 

KATrARiNO. What would my young mistresses desire 
at the moment, by way of comfort? 

Georgiana. Nothing, but rest — we are much fatigued 
with our sea voyage, and we request to indulge alone, 
until we ring the bell for your presence, (^side.) And if 
I have my own will, this shall never be. 



64 

Kattarino. As it pleases yon, my mistress, to com- 
mand herein. I shall leave you awhile to yourselves. 
{aside, us she retires) Poor creatures, they look fatigued, 
nevertheless, they appear beauty and innocence its-df— 
I do not wonder it seems to have put my old master on 
his young legs again, (exit) 

Gkorgiana. {looks at the handkerchief.) Would this 
was not for me, on the terms prescribed, to meet this 
crooked monster at the hour appointed, which he re- 
peated, " at seven in the evening." My dear Circassi- 
ana, once happy were my days, spent in peace and in- 
nocence, in the delightful groves of Zagen, in Georgia, 
and as I mean now to unbosom myself to you, there I 
was most faithfully pledged to a noble and generous 
hearted youth of my native land! But cruel fate would 
now force me into the arms of him, whose first sight is 
an antidote to any thing like love! Would to heaven 
that day had been my last, when I was treacherously 
stolen away from my native land, as 1 have since found 
out, by a dealer in women, who brought me to Grand 
Cairo, and there he sold me, to be exported to a better 
market — I was purchased by a mercenary adventurer, 
and am now sold again, to this extravagant old Bashaw, 
for some thousands, because, as he hints, my youth and 
beauty has awakened his desires; and he most imperi- 
ously signifies this, by the summary drop of his hand- 
kerchief, as much as to show, T dare not say nay. 

Cirgassiana. True, my friend Georgiana, and I have 
not yet recovered from the first impressions of this gro- 
tesque old figure of human deformity, who comes thus 
abruptly, with insidious smiles, into the presence of two 
unprotected young females, to gratify the most debased 
passions; and I can now sympathize with you in simila- 
rity of fate. I once was happy as the days were long, 
in the plains of Zabran so noted in Circassia; and there 
also beloved by a noble youth; but I was, in the dead of 
night, seized by two ruffians, who conveyed me to a ca- 
ravan, and there I was sold to an adventurer, who 
brought me to Grand Cairo, where I first met you; and 
now, like you, I am to become the next victim to this des- 
potic voluptuary; but what makes all these imperious 



65 

scenes the more sensibly felt by me, I have reason to 
believe they originated in tlie connivance of" my own 
parents, as I am informed this is more or less the case 
in Georgia, as also Circassia, where, for the sake of gold, 
mothers most unnaturally barter tlie youthful innocence 
of their own female oftspring. But my mind is distract- 
ed at the thoughts of my turn for the drop of the white 
handkerchif'f— would to hiaven we could rid the world 
of such a monster in iniquity, and thus set ourselves at 
liberty. 

Geohgiana. Let us compose ourselves; an;l first, I 
must impress on your mind, that to project any act 
against the ruling power here would be dangerous, and 
useless to our deliverance. But, in confidence, I have a 
secret to disclose to you, that would effectually save us 
the horrid trial of submitting to the will of the Dey. It 
is true, the idea may be to you dreadful in thought, but, 
once resolved on, it will be speedy in effect. 

CiRCASsiANA. Speak to the point, Georgiana, and thus 
relieve me between the anxious moments of hope and 
despair. Would to heaven I were dead! 

Geougiana. As you appear thus determined, I may 
venture to speak more plain — Be it known to you, I 
have a drauglit of the most deadly poison, which I ob- 
tained at Cairo, to be used when I could no longer pro- 
tect my innocence. [Holding up a phial) This is my al- 
ternative; and say but resolved — then will I share the 
dose equally; but should you hesitate, then will I take 
the whole myself, as I am determined not to survive the 
short moment allowed us to be alone. 

CiROAssiANA. Now you speak like a protecting friend. 
I take you at your word — haste, give me my portion, and 
let us die too:ether! — Then the story may be told in 
Georgia and Circassia, thus did we to the last preserve 
our youthful pledges, and that virgin innocence which is 
the pride and ornament of our sex; and th.is, at least, 
may be some consolation to our noble, generous, and 
faithful youths, who will no doubt mourn the sad tale. 
It is said, that there are no miseries so great, but they 
may be soothed by a sincere companion — I feel the full 
force of this consolatory reflection, and whatever is your 

F 2 



6Q 

fate must be mine — even death itself, at present, seems 
pleasing by anticipation. 

Christian Mok^tor. Most unfortunate sisters in mi- 
sery, pause for a moment. — Recollect that conscience 
sometimes sleeps in the hour of severe trial; and recol- 
lect also, that in the premature means you now propose 
to rid yourselves of the real or imaginary cares and 
troubles which all mortals are liable to in this state of 
probation, in this sublunary sphere; yet by this hasty 
act, you commit, in the eyes of him who judges ail, the 
greatest of sins, as it would seem to question his unseen 
decrees: — and may ye both be prepared to appear before 
that great and awful tribunal at this short notice! 

CiROASSiANA. Hark! Did you not hear a voice? — Per- 
haps, some one is near watching us! 

Georgiana. In truth, I thought some one spoke; if 
not, it must be our own conscience has awakened to 
alarm us, at this momentary crisis— therefore 1 do be- 
seech you to pause for a moment, and this may prepare 
your mind the better to act. I confess that I have hasti- 
ly led you into this dilemma, and, in so doing, I have 
sinned in a twofold degree. — In the first I pray your 
forgiveness — in the last, I look towards the great Dis- 
poser of all events, as he alone knows the purity of my 
intentions. 

CiR0Assi\NA. I am prepared — why faulter.^* I fully 
absolve you from all considerations, as regards myself, 
(throws her arms about the neck of Georgiana) and as 
to hereafter, we must hope the God of all mercies will 
pardon us both. They embrace. 

Georgiana. These must be our hopes — Now will I 
take my portion first! — Come to my lips, thou balm of 
human wo! — {drinks — looks at the phial) Yes, just 
equally divided! (Jiands the phial to Circassiana) There, 
you see with how much composure I have met you half 
way in the means that is speedily to end all our cares 
and miseries here. 

Circassiana. (receives the phial) Welcome to my 
lips, this my portion; (drinks) and thus you see I have 
ended your friendly example — (throivs the bottle on the 
floor) We have no farther use for the shadow, as we hope 



67 

the sul»stance has done its duty; and in this we have one 
consolation — no person can, or should be blamed after 
our spirits have left their earthly tenement. 

Georgiana. Now, as the last act we have to perform 
together in this transitory world, let us pray; and as I 
am prepared, permit me tliis duty? (the;/ kneel). 

Supreme Ruler over the universe, be graciously pleas- 
ed to look down witli compassion on these truly unhap- 
py and penitent sinners, and on the hasty deed thus 
committed on ourselves in the bloom of youth, which 
takes from us that existence that had been given us to- 
wards a better end. We are truly sensible, O Lord, of 
thy infinite mercies, that we have sinned in thy sight; 
yet we put our trust in thy divine providence to forgive 
the weakness, as also the wickedness of tliy servants in 
this untimely act; and forgive us our manifold trans- 
gressions; and we furthermore pray, that we may be 
purified by thy intermediat*; salvation, and that we m&y 
thus be enabled to appear before thy great and awful 
tribunal, where we must hope to be in a few minutes, 
with meekness and resignation to our future judgment, 
and in all things may thy will be done. Amen — Ani'^n. 
(deorgiana now fill on the fioor) Farewell Circassiana, 
the moment of my dissolution is near at hand; I alre;idy 
begin to feel the eftects of this deadly poison — Thus are 
we soon to be liberated from our much dreaded master 
on earth; and we must hope our peace is made with our 
Father in heaven. 

Circassiana. The last farewell; my head turns, {falls 
by the side of Georgiana) may we soon meet to part no 
more. 

Christian Monitor. I have witnessed the dreadful 
conflict on th^ brink of eternity — the deed is already 
recorded in heaven's high chancery; but what may be 
the final judgment on those two unfortunate mortals 
who have thus ofter<Ml themselves up as earthly victims, 
to pres. rve their female purity, the grr-at book of fate 
can only determine. May they be received as fair and 
spotless virgins, entitled to that divine grace which the 
Supreme Ruler of all things can give, and through his 
great mercies, may they rest in eternal peace. 



Kattarino, {enters) I come with a present from the 
Dey to his favorite Georgiana, an elegant dia nond ring. 
"What, fast asleep on the carpet — poor creatures, they 
are fatigued, and, perhaps, do not even dream of the 
riches and joy that w^ill attend them in turn. I must 
awake tliem — (calls — Georgiana, Circassiana) This 
seems to be a deadly sleep, (shakes them — shrieks) They 
are cold as ice, and must be dead! What shall I do? 
Help, help, help! 

Tlie women in the next apartments, hearing the cry of 
distress from a female voice, all rush in. 

Barbaryana. In God's name, what is th ■ matter here.^ 

Kattabino. Alas! Do you not see those beautiful 
young virgins stretched on the floor dead. I must haste 
with the unwelcome news to the Dey, my master; but I 
fear it will cause trouble, and perhaps to myself as they 
were entrusted to my entire care. J5,rit Kattarino. 

Barb\ryana. It is but too true — tlie cold remains of 
inanimate beauty prove the fact; yet the cause is to be 
ascertained. How uncertain is the lot of us unhappy fe- 
males here, subservient to the whims and caprices of 
despotic man! One hour ago it was whispered in my 
ear, that I should be supplanted by those who are now 
no more. But here comes the Dey, with austere brow, 
as if his mind was already prepared to revenge his dis- 
appointed humours. 

Tlie Dey enters, and stands for a moment with his arms 
folded. Looking' on the dead. 

The Dey. Who could have believed it?— Only a few 
hours since I left them in perfect health, and now am 
called to behold a lifeless spectacle. What could have 
caused this cursed deed? {Looking on the floor) Ah! I 
perceive here is a phial {fakes it up avd smells). This 
cannot speak, or it would, no doubt, declare it had con- 
tained some deadly poison. Who could have assisted to 
bring this most damnable drug witlsin these walls? 
What, Barbarjana, Kattarino, and all you present, still 
mute as the dead. I command all but the two named to 
leave my presence — Pll find means to make them speak, 
or for ever hold their tongues. The women retire. 



69 

The Dey. Now Barbaryana, I must say, the death ot 
those virgins looks to me like the effects of jealousy, at 
work in some shape, amongst you women of my st.raglio! 
Answer me instantly what you may know, or even sus- 
pect in this affair, and this to m^ entire satisfaction, or 
you die in five minutes. 

Barbaryana. Great sovereign of this land, and ruler 
over my present destinies — I pray you hear the faithful 
declaration of your lawful wife — ten long years have I 
been subject to your supreme will and capricious hu- 
mours, and have not presumed even to murmur — thus 
far, you must admit, I have not only been obedient and 
faithful, bit 1 have also endeavoured uniformly, to keep 
in good humour all the wou\en of your seraglio — as to 
the present unhappy scene, which seems to have raised 
your voice in anger towards me, I know not the cause, 
any more than yourself — and as to those lifeless victims, 
I had not seen or communicated with them — but as you 
command my opinion, or suspicions, as to the cause of 
their death, I must say, it appears to me as the volunta- 
ry act of those unfortunate young women, to rid them- 
selves of some impending evil! — Furtlier, I cannot say. 

The Dey. Woman, you then consider it an evil to re- 
tain any pai"t of my favours — you have said enough, say 
no more — and you Kattarino, must also be in this league 
to deprive me of my favourite damsels — otherwise, this 
phial and what it contained, could not have found its 
way here — where is the ring 1 sent by you to Georgi- 
ana, as I do not see it where it should be, on her finger. 

Kattarino. Most sovereign master, I have heretofore 
been your tried and trusty servant, and I pray you as 
surh, hear my faithful declaration herein — as to the 
cause of the death of your favourite damsels, I know 
not; but when I entered the room with your present, I 
found them, as you now see them — here is the ring, I 
had forgotten to return it you, in the terrible fright when 
I brought you the news, and I still tremble at your ap- 
parent displeasure. 

The Dey. No wonder, slave, you tremble before me, 
with the lie in your mouth — it is evident you know the 
cause of the death of those virdns, and, no doubt, by 
your equivocation, intended to have robbed this valua- 



70 

ble trinket, had I not calletl for it before the dead bodies 
were removed, and then perhaps brought blame on some 
innocent person. 

Kattarino. As I hope for mercy hereafter as a Chris- 
tian, I am perfectly innocent of these suspicions. 

The Dey. Not a word more — as to your hereafter as 
a Christian, it does not concern me — you shall answer 
for your late transgressions to me here, (rings the hell, 
a mute enttrs) .Send hither my bow-string men. (two 
mutes enter) I command that you strangle these two wo- 
men on the spot, {the mutes seize Barbaryana first — she 
scuffles, and rids herself from the mutes.) 

Ba'Rbaryana. Hands off", speechless animals — now, 
supreme ruler here, deign to hear me in my own vindi- 
cation — you seem to have challenged the ring, as the 
supposed cause of the death of those young women; if so, 
how can I in any manner be implicated, as I never saw 
or heard of it, before the present moment? 

The Dey. Did I not cotnmand you to say no more? 

Barbaryana. You did; and I now find it in vain to 
show my innocence before your stubborn power — there- 
fore, thy will be done here, but thy Maker's hereafter. 

The Dey. Woman, dost thou still presume to rebel 
against my sovereign power? Bow-string men, do your 
duty instantly, (the mutes strangle Barbaryana, then 
Kattarino.) 

Mahomet, [enters) My sovereign, having just heard 
at the palace door the misfortunes within your seraglio, 
I haste to offer my services towards your relief, in this 
trying moment of treachery about your royal person. 
(aside) But in this I have my own purposes to answer: 
our great money changer, David Brokereye, has de- 
manded of me payment for certain large sums of money 
had of him, as he believed, for account of the Dey, my 
master; but in truth, for m.y own private use; and it is 
not convenient, or even my inclination to repay the 
same — therefore, lest this should come to the ears of the 
Dey, I must contrive to get Brokereye put out of the 
way — and as my master seems to be in a sanguinary 
mood, if 1 can set him against the Jew, and so get his 



71 

liead cut oft', the debt will be cancelled by getting rid of 
him. 

The Dey. Mahomet, you come too late — the mischief 
is done, and the evil gannot be remedied! But I hope the 
strong example I have made in my seraglio, will be a 
warning to the rest of the women about the palace, as 
well as others in my dominions. 

Mahumkt. My good and forgiving sovereign, the great 
spirit of the holy Prophet will comfort you! But I pray 
you leave this unhappy scene; I will attend, and see 
those dead bodies removed, (curtain drops) 

Scene changes to the Dey^s chamber. 

The Dkv. (so/«.s) This morning the sun rose bright, 
and promised me new scones of joy! But, alas! before it 
sets, those joys are buried in the grave! Yet, as I have 
power and riches, I may remedy this temporary evil! 

Mahomet, enters, (aside) Still brooding over the past; 
tliis is my time — my sovereign, as your mind seems now 
somewhat composed, if it meets your supreme will, I 
have matters of state to place before you, which cannot 
well be delayed, as there is no knowing but it may have" 
some hidden cotini;xion with the uuliappy occurrences of 
the day! (J side.) 1 know his weak and hasty temper, 
and this \ull prompt him to hear and act as I may lead 
him, and I already have my story made up. 

The Dkv. My mind is far from being composed, and 
this interlude Ivarrows up the past; yet speak, Mahomet, 
that 1 may hear, for I have suspected treachery ; and as 
you hint, it may still exist within my household as well 
as without. 

Mahjmet. As my sovereign commands, be it known, 
that by the late European papers, just come to hand, 
I find therein some anonymous letters, as coming from 
Algiers, giving a long account of the secrets of our cabi- 
net, with many severe reflections on us as a piratical 
banditti, and calling on all the Christian powers to com- 
bine against us, the Algerines, and the tributary system 
generally. This, you know, has been our great support, 
and without it we sliouUI be nobody. 

The Dey. This is most impudent interference with 
us, and, no doubt some Christian resident here, perhaps 



72 

Consul Tribute, as I have lately pushed him the hard- 
est; but be it whom it may, point out the man and he 
shall answer for it. 

Mahomet. My suspicions do not rest against any 
Christian, in the present instance; and my sovereign 
will, no doubt, be surprised, when I say our great mo- 
ney changer is the man I would condemn; and I also 
have found him meddling in other matters here which 
ill become him. 

The Dey. 1 can scarcely believe my own ears. Then, 
Mahomet, it would appear that you seriously believe 
Brokereye is not true to us — if so, he certainly has it in 
his power to say many things to the Christian world that 
would not tend to our interests or good name. I am not 
in the best humour to be trifled with: and to cut the mat- 
ter short, go yourself and bring this double-faced deal- 
er before me. Let it appear, as if I wanted him on some 
great money affair, and expecting a good premium, he 
will be off" his guard as to my design. 

Mahomet. As my sovereign commands, for the ho- 
nour of himself and this regency. 

(As he retires, aside) This plan works well. — Now to 
produce my man to answer what he cannot. 

The Dey. (solus) It is said that misfortunes seldom 
come alone. — However the first sometimes prepares the 
mind to act more promptly on what may follow — I am 
in a fit mood for blood, and some further victim shall an- 
swer for this meddling in my affairs; and here comes one 
that shall not go hence as he came. 

Enter Mahomet with Brokereye. 

Mahomet. My sovereign, our money changer attends 
your supreme commands. 

David Brokereye advances and bends to kiss the Dey^s 
hand. 

The Dey. Not so forward, Hebrew; my hand is not 
to be thus polluted by the foul breath of one I now con- 
sider a double-faced dealer. — You must first answer 
to my satisfaction, in certain matters you now stand 
charged. 

David Brokereye. Most supreme ruler of this re- 



73 

gency, I come here at the special call of your prime mi- 
nister, and am thundcrstruclc by these signs of your so- 
vereign displeasure, as I should be the last man in your 
dominions to oftend either in act, word, or even thought; 
and I must beg to know my accuser, and the specific 
charges. 

The Dey. You are mighty bold in this demand — as 
to the accuser, I give to him full credence — as to the 
name, it will rest with me. The charges are, that you, 
either directly or indirectly, have caused the secrets of 
our cabinet to be published to the Christian world, as 
set forth in the public prints of Europe; and, in conse- 
quence, it seems all the Barbary powers, as well a» my- 
self, are threatened. As to this part, it does not concern 
me, as I am not apt to take alarm at Christian menace; 
but I consider it as indignant to myself, and the good 
name of this regency; and besides, I find you have been 
meddling in other matters. And how dare you, who have 
amassed great riches in the ransom system; and also 
honoured as nominal king of your own tribe here, thus 
deceive me? What have you to say in your own defence? 
Guilty, I am sure by your looks! 

David Brokebeye. Your sovereign majesty, as to the 
charges against me, in giving to the Christian world the 
secrets of your cabinet, or in any manner interfering in 
the affairs of this regency to your dishonour, they are 
unfounded, to say no worse; and such meddling would 
not only be against my own interests, but also the flat- 
tering honours you have been pleased nominally to con- 
fer on me for the benefit of my own tribe here; therefore 
setting aside all other considerations but your own good 
judgment in men and things, I trust you will be satisfi- 
ed — and myself discharged from such foul imputations, 
and let my future conduct be the test of my sincere re- 
gard for the honour and happiness of your supreme ma- 
jesty and the concerns of this regency. 

Mahomet, {aside) The Hebrew pleads strong to- 
wards the honour of my master, and the support of this 
regency — he may defeat me if I let the moment pass. 
{whispers the Dey) My sovereign, it is evident, by this 
man's manner of probing you, tliat he is most impudent- 



74 

ly guilty, and would fain make you believe otherwise^ 
until he can get an opportunity to slip off from Algiers, 
and which I have strong reasons to believe will soon be 
the case, as I find he is making heavy shipments, and 
investing money in the purchase of bills. 

The Dey. Enough said, Mahomet; I am resolved. 

(Zb Brokereye) How dare you, Hebrew, thus bare- 
faced attempt to question me or my judgment? I sup- 
pose, by the same rule of presumption, the next step will 
be towards the reins of my government! No, no, Jew, 
your talk, however smooth, will not do, as I never alter 
my decrees after T once say no. Definitively, your doom 
is fixed; and I will make short work of it, least you step 
off from Algiers with all your spoils, and thus cast the 
laugh on me. — Now, Mahomet, go you and send hither 
my axe men, and let them take off the head of this Ja- 
nus, that his vile tongue may no more lie or deceive in 
this world. Uxit Mahomet. 

David Brokereye. (aside) So much for the despotic 
power of a Barbary tyrant — a summary trial and hasty 
judgment; which makes me the victim of his unjust and 
cruel decree; and it would be useless to plead more, as 
he has never been known to relent during his blood- 
thirsty reign. As to his prime minister, I now suspect 
his treachery. Most ungrateful Mussulman! I have his 
obligations for many thousands; and, no doubt, between 
them, they mean first to murder then to plunder me. 

Enter two ruffians with great broad axes. 

The Dey. I comman." that you instantly take this 
man to the block, and cut off his head; then place it on 
the walls of our city, and let the body be laid before the 
palace, as a bloody warning to all meddlers here. 

Exeunt ruffians with Brokereye. 

The Dey. (solus) I wonder what is to be the next 
scene — perhaps some external troubles are coming in 
good earnest, to weigh down the balance of my inter- 
nal cares. 

Christian Monitor. Base murderer of the innocent 
Christian, Jew, and Mahometan, within one hourl You 
have judged right for once, as regards yourself — this is 
but a prelude to your own cares and national troubles — 



they will come on apace, for thou art, at best, but a weak 
and wicked ruler. 

The Dey. (atarts) Ilaik! I thought some one spoke, 
{looks around) yet I see no one. Surely this must be 
like something they call conscience; but if I have done 
wrong, it is now too late to reflect, as this will not res- 
tore life. 

Mahomet (enters) My sovereigti, all matters are ex- 
ecuted as you commanded — Brolcereye is decapitated, 
and his head stuck on the walls of the city, and his bo- 
dy is placed before tlic palace door. — Not a Jew is to be 
seen, and all around seems wrapt up in sullen gloom — 
even the Christian consuls have shut up their houses, 
apparently alarmed. What is your supreme will maybe 
done to restore confidence, and to preserve harmony 
amongst ourselves, as you know our soldiery sometimes 
take advantage in such cases to p'under, as they did 
with the massacre of the Jews in our city a few years 
since. 

(Jside) I have so far accomplished my own views — I 
must now hush up for fear of worse consequences. 

The Dey. Mahomet, from your representation, wc 
must end here for the present — therefore let the body of 
the Hebrew be removed at sunset; but go you instantly 
and seize on his papers and etFects in my name; perhaps 
we may discover some secrets relating to our cabinet in 
the present affair; if not, we may as to his great riches, 
and we have the strongest right to those, as they were 
amassed here. Let Ben Scruple be proclaimed nominally 
King of the Jews here, until my further will and plea- 
sure be known. — Let the gates of the city be opened, 
and let the watchmen on the tops of the mosques and 
minarets proclaim that peace and harmony are restored; 
but let no one presume, under pain of immediate death, 
to question these my acts and decrees of this day. 

Mahomet. My sovereign, I haste to see all these 
matters done conformable to your commands. 

{Aside) First to seize on Biokereye's papers, then to 
destroy my obligation to iiim, and thus prevent disco- 
very of my design. — As to his effects, I will take care 
to have the first fingering, and my full share in the re- 
mainder when the spoil is divided. Exit Mahomet. 



76 
ACT IV.— SCENE L 

Consular House in the City. 
Consul and Lady Tribute seated on a sofa. 

Lady Tribute. My dear Consul Tribute, it seems to 
me an age since our last letters from our friends on the 
Western continent— I hope they are not all dead, or 
forgotten us in this land of barbarians. I have not yet 
recovered from my fright at the cruelties which so late- 
ly happened at the palace. (Starts up.) Hark! The cas- 
tle guns are firing!— What can this mean? O Lord, I 
wish we were safe oflf from these Mussulmen with our 
heads on our shoulders. 

Factotum, (enters blowing.) Consul Tribute, I come 
in haste. 

Consul Tribute. Never mind your hasty preface, 
but tell us, iu God's name, what is the matter? 

Factotum. Nothing is the matter, sir; but I come to 
report the arrival of your expected regalia ship; and the 
castle is now firing a salute in compliment to your na- 
tion. 

Consul Tribute. Welcome tidings to me, and I hope, 
my good lady, your peace of mind will not be further 
disturbed. Now, Factotum, see that the grand flag of our 
nation is hoisted high on the top of my consular house, 
to show I notice their compliment; and let my dragoman 
be in readiness with our portable flag, to carry before 
me to the marine, to receive the captain of the regalia, 
according to custom here — and, Factotum^ you must at- 
tend to interpret; and do not forget the gunner of the 
castle in his powder money — this must be given, or the 
powder itself, and of two evils choose the least. I must 
now go and prepare myself for the occasion. 

Exeunt omnes. 

Scene changes to the Marine. 

Consul Tribute in waiting with his attendants. 

Regalia Captain lands and hands Consul Tribute a 
packet. This, sir, from the United Christian Brother- 
hood in the West, and the contents will make known 
to you my business here. 



77 

Consul Tribute, (breaks the seal and reads to him- 
self) It is well, Captain R<.'<;;alia, lam glad to see tiiese 
despatches, as well as yourself. — Now, the first step is 
for us to proceed under our national flag, in form, to 
make your report according to manifest. 

Exeunt omnes. 

Scene changes to the Pavilion on the ^Marine. 

J^Iustnplta, the minister, and Hasssan, commandant of 
marine, seated smoking. 

Consul Tribute, (at the door) Wave our flag thrice, 
by way of complimentary ceremony, (dragoman waves 
his flag — Consul Tribute advances.) Seignior Mustapha, 
I have the honour to kiss your hand, and I come to pre- 
sent a regalia from my nation to the Dey and regency 
of Algiers — my interpreter will now explain the con- 
tents. 

Factotum, (reads) Powder, lead, cordage, tar, pitch, 
resin, and other warlike stores, according to manifest. 
(hands it). 

Mustapha, minister of marine. Consul Tribute, the 
Divan are in conclave, and Mahomet, our prime minis- 
ter is there engaged — to him I must first transmit your 
manifest; from thence it will go to the Dej for his sanc- 
tion — if approved, you will have due notice. 

{^side.) Good articles, but not enough powder. — My 
master will grumble, or I am mistaken, as he appears 
not in the best humour with you. 

Consul Tribute. It is well. Seignior Mustapha, I 
shall, on due notice, attend your commands. 

Exeunt Consul Tribute and attendants. 

Scene changes to the Consular House. 

Consul Tribute enters with Captain Regalia. 

Consul Tribute. Now, Captain, as we have done 
with ceremony, you must endeavour to amuse yourself 
until you have orders to discharge your cargo. 
Enter Lady Tribute. 
Consul Tribute. My good Lady, this is Captain 
Regalia, and here are some letters for you from our 
friends on the other side of the water. 

Lady Tribute. Captain Regalia, these letters, as 
G 2 



78 

well as yourself, are welcome to our presence. Come, 
take a seat along side of me on the sofa, 1 have a thou- 
sand questions to ask about matters and things at home? 
But, perhaps, the shortest way will be to read my let- 
ters first. — Please excuse me. {reads to herself.) 

Consul Tribute. My good Lady, you have antici- 
pated my wishes. — Now Captain Regalia, we may have 
a little talk; and, as we are by ourselves, I must say, 
you just come in time to save me trouble here, for tlie 
Algerines have threatened me hard as the (last notice. 
Enter Citizen Yankoo. 

Citizen Yankoo. Consul and Lady Tribute, I con- 
gratulate you on the arrival of your regalia. 

Consul Tribute. Thanks for mjself, and also my 
Lady, as she is at the moment absent — no doubt, engag- 
ed with her friends on the other side of the Western 
ocean. 

Lady Tribute. Yes, no — What were you saying? 
Excuse me; I am, indeed, most delightfully engaged — 
wafted on the wings of fancy to my native shore. 

Consul Tribute. We readily excuse you — Now 
Citizen Yankoo, let me make known to you Captain 
Regalia. 

Citizen Yankoo. Captain Regalia, I am happy to see 
you. — Pray have you any letters for my name; or have 
you any news from the Western continent. 

Captain Regalia. I do not recollect any letters by 
me for your name. — As to news, when I left home 
there was great talk of war between our nation and 
John Bull. 

Citizen Yankoo. For these, and other weighty con- 
siderations,, I am anxious to be at home; and, if you have 
no objectiofJs> I should be glad to take passage in your 
ship, [aside) for I am heartily tired of my adventures 
amongst the freebooters of those seas. 

Captain Regalia. After my cargo is landed, I shall 
be looking out for passengers, as well as freight; pray, 
have you any for me? 

Citizen Yankoo. I have a quantity of coifee, which 
has been here in store a long time, and, it seems, cannot 
be disposed of on any reasonable terms; and, as you say 
war is likely to be declared at home, it might turn out 



79 

to good account there. Thus much for the present, {aside) 
until we arc alone, as the Consul seems highly displeas- 
ed at the sound of the word coftee from me. 
Ji domestic enters with a note. 

Consul Tribute. Excuse me citizens, but here is 
something that concerns us all: {reads aloud.) 

" Consul and Lady BuUycan present their best re- 
spects to Consul ancl Lady Tribute, and request the 
honour of their company to dinner on Saturday next at 
four o'clock, at the Bull Garden; and they also expect 
that Citizen Yankoo, and all others of your nation in 
family, will consider themselves as included in this in- 
vitation. 

John BuUycan. 
Wednesday noon.'''' 

Consul Tribute. Citizen Yankoo, as you are par- 
ticularly noticed, you cannot refuse this written invita. 
tion; and captain Regalia, as you are also included in 
general terms, you will, in course, honour the same. 

^I'l'izEN Vankoo. As it appears the desire of consul 
Tribute that I should accept consul Bullycan's invita- 
tion, be it so. (aside) But if I had my own way here, I 
should dispense with it, for such reasons as your proud 
mind might not brook even from a friend; but in truth, I 
have my own suspicions that consul BuUycan is playing 
a deep, if not a double game against you and ournation- 
al affairs, with the Dey of Algiers. 

Captain Regalia. Consul Tribute, at your request I 

will do myself the honour to attend you. (aside) If for 

nothing else, I want to see fashions in Barbary — I have 

lieard of Bear garden, but never of Bull garden. 

Domestic announces seignior Hassan, commandant of 

Marine. 

Consul Tribute. Conduct him in. {he enters, they 
shake hands.) 

Hassan. Consul Tribute, I am commanded by seig- 
nior Mustapha, the minister of marine, to wait on you, 
and to give notice, "that the Dey, our sovereign, has 
been pleased to sanction the reception of your regalia, 
but that he had been better pleased if you had sent him 
more powder," and we shall be ready at the marine to 
receive, as you land, any time after our Sabbath. 



80 

Consul Tribute. Seignior commandant, 1 shall pay 
due respect to the Dey's wishes in my next regalia, and 
shall attend to your notice about landing this cargo. 
(aside) More powder is the constant word here; and, 
even when our regalia does arrive, we must wait the 
will and pleasure of those mussulmen as to the recep- 
tion; and what between their Sabbath on Friday, the 
JcM'S on Saturday, and the Christians on Sunday, nearly 
one half the year at Algiers is impeded by the shadow 
of religion! (.exit Hassan.) 

Factotum, [enters'] Consul Tribute, I come to re- 
port the arrival of one of John Bull's frigates, direct from 
their court, with the Algerine minister, who was sent 
some time since with a present of wild beasts — there 
appears great stir in the city, and also amongst the 
Christian consuls, and it is suspected some new intrigue 
is on foot here. 

Consul Tribute. If so, Factotum, you had better be 
out on the alert, to hear and see what is going forward 
in every direction, and report to me accordingly. 

Factotum. As you please to command. [exit with 
captain Regalia and cxtixen Tankoo.~\ 

Lady Tribute. I declare, my dear consul Tribute, 
this is enough to weigh down your spirits, as well as 
mine — one alarm is scarcely over, before another ap- 
pears! Heigho! What next, I wonder? 

Consul Tribute. My good lady, what now? As our 
regalia is sanctioned, we have nothing to fear! Come, 
rouse your spirits — apropos! If you will promise not to 
be alarmed, or look so grave, I'll tell you a good story — 
ha, ha, ha. 

Lady Tribute. Any thing to amuse, I do promise, 
ha, ha, ha. 

Consul Tribute. Good, now for that which may 
surprise, yet familiarise you to the subject— -itis a dream 
I bad since the morning dawn! — "I dreamed the Dey 
of Algiers sent for me to his palace, I dressed in my 
best Consular attire, and appeared before him, and as 
usual kissed his swarthy hand. He was imperious in the 
extreme, and grumbled about his regalia? I attempted 
to reason with him, but was silenced by the ferocious 



81 

looks of this despot, who said, I must remedy this evil, 
and that I should only have five minutes, and no grace! 
He held in his hand the very watch I had presented 
iiini, and cost my nation five hundred golden zequins. 
When the time was expired, he said, Consul Tribute 
are you ready to comply with my demands? My an- 
swer was in the negative, as I haci already gone further 
in my discretionary latitude than authorized. Then, 
said the Tyrant, you will be on the way to your Chris- 
tian Heaven before you can count five! — on which he 
made a private signal, and in came an officer and con- 
ducted me down to the Marine. There Hassan, tlie 
Commandant, ordered me to be rammed into the Dey's 
Great Consular Gun, and made a wadding of my laced 
uniform. 'I'he Gunner then primed and set fire to the 
touch-hole, and oft I popt into the M. Sea, Exequator, 
Tinsell, and all. The report of the gun awakened me, 
and never was poor Devil more happily relieved from 
momentary pain than 1 was, when I found it was only 
a Dream — ha, ha, ha! 

Lady Tribute. This Dream makes you laugh, but the 
very relation makes me shudder, for they say here that 
all dreams after the morning dawn are ominous! 

Consul TuiBUTE. I hope you do not give credit to such 
impressions. 

Lady Tribute. I must say, although I do not believe 
in airy dreams, yet there appears to me a connection of 
incidents in this fleeting vision to which all Christian 
Consuls, in their relations here, may be more or less 
liable to, when they least dream of it. 

Consul Tribute. It is useless to take trouble by anti- 
cipation, so let us drop the subject, and hope for the best 
— as they retire: 

Christian Monitor. Although some Christians may 
not believe in Dreams, or supernatural agency as necessa- 
ry to accomplish the great works of nature, yet the die is 
cast as regards Consul Tribute in his National affairs 
with this Regency! 



SCENE H. 

Bull Garden Villa, on the declivity of a high hill, fac 



82 

ing the Mediterranean Sea — Flag of John Bull on 
the top of the house. 

Consul Bullycan, his Lady, and two Daughters in the 
Saloon. 

Consul Bullycan. It is high time for our expected 
visitors to be here, particularly the Tribute people, as 
thej are our near neighbours. 

Miss Bullycan. I'll go on the look out, and give 
signal at their appearance — [I'etires — returns in haste.'] 
Oh, mother, do come and see, here they are in the ave- 
nue, first Consul Tribute and his Lady, with their 
whiskered Turk guard in front, and next the Mocha 
Merchant. " I'll vow," as the Consul says, " the Ba- 
chelor looks tarnation spruce to-day." 1 wonder how 
the Mocha speculation comes on? And here comes a 
stranger in the rear, the Regalia Captain I suppose, as 
he rides like a Jack Tar — ha, ha, ha! 

Lady Bullycan. Hush, my dear Daughter, it would 
be considered a great breach of good manners, if not 
hospitality, in us to let such plain skits be heard by our 
guests, and they are near at hand. As to the Mocha 
speculation, it is worn out; Miss Tool is ashamed of the 
joke. 

Miss Bullycan. But Mamma, why so scrupulous all 
at once? Who cares a fig for them. You know they 
are only Tributary neutrals; and we, the Belligerents, 
as Papa says, mean to send them off with a flea in their 
ear. That is, as soon as Hadgi Ali Bashaw is ready. 
But this old Tyrant will, nevertheless, growl at John 
Bull, as will John Crappeau, when they do not feed 
his mercenary avarice. I wonder how all these sparings 
will end here. 

Consul Bullycan. Did you ever hear the like, how 
wondrous pert this young gossip of twelve will talk 
about men's affairs, notwithstanding her mother's cau- 
tion? I must not let this prattler put her nose into my 
Consular study, if she cannot learn to hear and see with- 
out letting the cat out of the bag. 

Miss Bullacan. My dear Papa, I meant no harm, 
and at worst, it should only be taken as a little bit of a 
lapsus. (dside)-^Fitj on me, but this is a tongue-tier, 



S3 

all in the imperative mood — mum, but here they come. 

Enter Consul Tribute, his Lady, Citizen Vankoo, and 
Regalia Captain. The Guard retires. 

Consul Bullyoan. Our good neutral friends, Con- 
sul and Lady Tribute, and company, we are truly hap- 
py to see you under our Banner. 

CoxVsuL Tribute. We are honored by your friendly 
assurance, Consul BuUycan; now permit me to intro- 
duce to you Captain Regalia, of my nation. As to Citizen 
Yankoo, he is already known to you, and will speak for 
himself. — [They make their respective compliments.'} 

Consul Bullycan. P\ease be seated, apropos.— 
Consul Tribute I must congratulate you on the arrival 
of your regalia. This will no doubt place your national 
affairs on a better footing than some others here; but 
how long any of us Consuls may be in favor with his 
Barbarian Majesty, will depend on his humours — (aside) 
and he will begin with you first. 

CovsuL TuiBUTE. Sir, I thank you for your civility 
towards my Regalia, and hope to go on smoothly in my 
Consular relations here, at least for some time, whatever 
others may do. (Jside.) Unless you Belligerents as 
usual strive to kick up a Barbary dust here. But it is not 
my business as a neutral to make war, less so with the 
Algerines; neither must I take the Bull by the horns be- 
fore he has done his feed. I will amuse until you have 
done your dinner, then, agreeable to your own maxim, 
a generous glass of wine will keep you irL good humour 
the rest of the day. 

Miss Buj.LYCAN — (aside.) As the old ones are en- 
gaged In their politics, I'll go on the look out again to 
see who comes next. (Retires. Returns in haste.) Oh 
my stars. Mamma, here they come, thick as hops. First 
Consul Trimmer's guard, then himself, his Lady, and 
two Miss Trimmers, with their accredited beau, Mr. 
Secretary O'Consequentio; next Consul Balance two 
Miss Balances and their beau, Mr. Secretary O'Sappio. 
(^side.) — A mighty sappy set; some on horses, some on 
mules, and some on jack asses. What a political med- 
ly also we shall have when all arrive. But Consul Bul- 
lyrock and his Crappeau, Whiskerandoes. cannot show 



8i 

their noses to us Bullycans this heat; mum, I forgot; 
but papa looks sour, and mamma seems on the ^fidgets; 
I shall get it again, muin. 

Lady BuLLYOAN. Hem! My daughter, the more 
the merrier jou know. Hem! — [aside) — There is no 
stopping this girl's loquacity. 

Miss Bullycan. True, mamma, I was just thinking 
so. (Aside)— Mum, papa says I must learn to hear 
and see without talking. This is hard doctrine to us 
young Bullycans, as the old ones will let out the secrets 
of the Cabinet before us, and I could not keep even a 
secret of my own five minutes. I wish I was in a coun-, 
try where folks dare speak freely, may be I would not 
talk trom morn till night at least. 

The company enter and make their respective compli- 
ments. 

Consul Bullycan. Good friends, we are truly glad 
to see vou here, one and all. 

Miss Bullyoan. No, my dear papa, not all, for 
here comes the rest, and Consul Don Sancho on his 
prancer, sticking close to Miss Betty Tool on her Jack 
Bray. I guess, as some body says — {aside)— but I must 
not even guess. Well then I think — the Don is on the 
wrong side of my aunt Tool now, whatever he may be 
hereafter. 

Ladt Bullycan. Hem! Miss Bullycan, a word 
with you. Suppose, as all the company are here, or in 
sight, that you now go and order in dinner? 

Miss Bdllycan. Yes, my dear mamma, I love to obey. 
{Jlside.)-~I am glad to get oft' in this way; I expected a 
set down, instead of which I am going as a Messenger 
extra from a Consul's Lady, to deliver orders, and if I 
had my own way, may be, I would not order things in 
great style. [^Exit, 

Consul Bullyoan. Well thought of, my good Lady; 
there is nothing like a little foresight in this world of 
care — my mother used to say it was a sure sign of a 
good housewife, particularly if they scolded a little; but 
the latter, you know, never was a trait in the Bullycan 
family — (aside) It is true, you will tip me a curtain lec- 
ture. 



85 

Lady Bullyoan. True, yet some of us women have no 
credit in oui' domestic cares, (aside) I understand you, 
chuck, and IMl pay you for it before you sleep this night. 

Lady Thimmek. But, Lady Bullycan, such things 
generally speak for themselves, (aside) We know you 
rule the roast, as well as the roast at home, although 
your Consul will play oft" his native Bullycan wit before 
us. 

Enter Consul Tool and Lady — Consul Don Sancho and 
Miss Betty Tool — They make their obeisance. 

Consul Bullycan. Good friends of our family, we 
are glad to see you although late, (aside) The Don 
sticks close to our Betty, or she sticks close to him; and 
this is what my gossip daughter would be guessing at — 
She is a knowiriii one, and I cannot be angry with her, 
for she is all life and good humour. 

Miss Bullycan. {enters) Well here I am agjiin,a re- 
turn courier, come to announce dinner on table. 

Consul Bullycan. A short and good hearing this 
time. — Now, Lady Tribute, permit me the honour of 
your hand (aside) to show you thMp^ay to your appro- 
priate seat at table, not in precedence, as it is not your 
due, but, as it is understood, my compliment of the day 
in rotation. 

Consul Tribute. I claim the honour of Lady Bully- 
can's hand in rtiurn. 

The rest of the company join hands in regular prece' 
deuce, according to their rank and station and follow 
on. 

Scene changes to the Dinner-table. 

Consul Bullycan. Ladies, please be seated with a 
gentleman intervening to attend your calls. You all 
look grave, as if you expected something like grace; 
but as this is not the custom of this unchristianlike land, 
we will dispense with the outward form, as it is to be 
hoped we have all more or less within. 

Now, by way of substantials, here is a saddle of broad 
tailed mutton, as good as Barbary aflbrds at the feast of 
Bieram, and tliose here not sheepishly inclined, will 
find before them other flesh, fish, and fowl, to their diif- 

H 



86 

ferent tastes, (they are all helped) Well, good friends^ 
here is cut and come again— what say you to another 
slice? — No! — Then, waiter, clear away, and let us have 
the Stilton, and a can of Hibbert's btown stout, (waiter 
draws a cork — pop it goes) Come, that will do; hand it 
round, and let us drink to the land of malt. It is this, be- 
sides good roast beef, that makes John Bull so stout and 
strong, and the young Bullycans so rosy — ha, ha, ha. — 
Now, waiter clear all away; and set the travellers with 
the best wine. Come, good friends, let us till a bumper 
around the festive board, and my Lady will give you 
her prerogative — sentiment, (aside) and when her glass 
is out, she may take herself off with the ladies, and 
leave us gentlemen to our wine and politics, as I mean 
to invite a round of Consular sparring in my own way. 
Lady Bullycan. So be it — I'll give you "Peace to 
all the worlJ, and good will to\vards mankind." This 
moral offering may be considered as a sprig of the olive 
branch, which we ladies leave the gentlenen here to 
improve on. (Aside) From my old man's pointed looks 
towards me, I must be off. [rises from the table with ihe 
toadies — The Gentkmen rise in compliment. 

Exeunt Ladies. 
Consul Bullycan. Gentlemen, we may now be seat- 
ed, and by a gt nerous glass of wine, console ourselves 
for the loss of the ladies' good society. But they would 
leave us — Come, a bumper toast — "Georgivus, my old 
master, not forgetting the Regent, my second; the re- 
spective nations of the Christian world in amity with us; 
my third, the Dey and regency of Algiers." Now, bro- 
ther Consuls, this gives you license to say in your re- 
spective turns, as best suits your inclination; for although 
we are within the dominions of the Dey of Algiers, yet 
we are, by our consular privilege, without his jurisdic- 
tion. 

Consul Trimmer. This is quick firing, Consul Bul- 
lycan, and you keep up the rule of political toasts and 
sentiments."^ (aside) No doubt, John Bull, you mean to 
try the strength of our heads this day. 

Consul Bullycan. You know there is a certain rou- 
tine due by us consuls towards our respective nations; 
and this also serves to say something in a pleasant way; 



87 

and as Consul Trimmer is hcoUlestiu precedence here, 
wliat ilocs he pleiise to say? 

Consul Trimmer. I must, in course, follow in the 
consular example — Gustavus Adolpluis, my royal mas- 
ter, {aside) But I shall say nothing about a certain great 
prince, which our good aily, t e i^reat emperor has in his 
eye tor us; but my friend Halance is (irepared to give 
you a Baltic rubbifio- the first opening; and this he may 
now do in sentim;Mital freedom. 

Consul Bullycan. Your ottering is short, but breathes 
respect to the old onler of things, and as such we drink 
to it. 

(aside.) This Trimmer is a knowing one; yet he seems 
puzzled, and well he may, for he scarcely knows to 
whom he belongs at present. 

Now, Consul Ballance, be pleased to honour us with 
something to the point. 

Consul Balance. As we seem royally disposed, I 
give you -Christian, my royal master, (aside) Now to 
the point: Apropos! This puts me in iwiml that our once 
royal consort was sister to .Toiin Bull; and as one thing 
sometimes leads to another, that your mad-cap admiral 
entered Copenhagen sound and battered the castles 
about our ears, and last of all took our ships of war, as 
he pretended, into his safe keeping, [aside] but has for- 
gotten to return tht^m, and I am instructed thus to give 
you the rub national for this breach. 

Consul Bullycan. This is to the point in the ext*'nt, 
and we drink to it in remembrance of political facts — 
[aside'\ but I'll be sworn this mad-cap slur is not your 
own, but preconcerted between your leader, Bullyrock, 
and his prompter. Trimmer, and you were to give it ut- 
terance; but your tones will be changed befoie long, as 
there is a strong league forming in I'lie north against the 
usurper of St. Cloud; however this is a secret to all here 
but myself, as it is yet oidy in political embryo. 

Consul Trimmkr. I must say, as to the aiiairs of the 
Baltic, John Bull has acted prematurely, to say no worse, 
in the capture of the Copenhagen fleet, and his honour, 
if not honesty, can only be justified by their safe return 
to the lightfil owner. 

Consul Bullycan. The late acts of John Bull, in the 



88 

Sound, may appear rather imperious to those whose ho- 
nour and interests are immediately at stake, but to you, 
as diplomatists, it need not be told, this was all done by 
the well known rule of political expediency, and the end 
must justify the means! Now, my friend, Consul Don 
Sancho, we wait your say in toast or sentiment. 

iJlside.'] This has, in truth been the rub direct to me; 
and if you were at present politically opposed to John 
Bull, you might come Spanish ovei- me, and, perhaps, 
bring in the seige of Minorca, and the ghost of Byng to 
rise in judgment herein amongst the visionary phantoms 
of the day. 

Christian Montitor. {risefi hehind the chair of Con- 
sul Bullycan) This inward appeal looks like the effect 
of conscience, and invades my intellectual province- 
Hear the conscientious representative of what you may 
presume to call visionary phantomsl — Facts are stubborn 
things; and beware how you excite further monitions on 
this head! 

Consul Bullycan. Did you speak, Consul Don San- 
cho? If so, I did not comprehend you. — [aside] No, re- 
flection tells me some inward monitor smites me hard; 
but my political conscience must not yield to my na- 
tional pride, and as I have begun the spar, even so I 
must brazen out — The Don is long coming to my sup- 
port. 

Consul Don Sancho. I give you Fernando, my royal 
master, and 1 must be permitted to add, that, as he is 
unjustly held in captivity by a usurper, may he soon be 
released; and return to govern his subjects mill annos, 
and may we all here live to see this fulfilled, iaside'] 
My ally seems hard run — This will please him, if not 
the Crappeau opposition. 

Consul Bullycan. We drink to this sentiment in the 
true spirit of political sympathy; but my friend Don 
Sancho, you are rather unconscionable to expect us all 
here to live to see this fulfilled, as by your say it would 
appear one thousand years — ha, ha, ha! 

^aside] Tiie usurping touch is well timed, and the 
other part has served to raise the laugh on my side, and 
even this to those when hard set, is a point gained. 



89- 

Consul Don S/vncho. By way of explanation, it should 
be understood, by proviso, that the substance slioultl be 
separated from the complimentary parts of .ill diplo- 
macy. 

Consul Bullycan, Admitted — Now, Consul Tribute, 
although you are the youngest Christian C'onsul on the 
Dey's list, yet your very name is a consideration with 
him, as well as all the Barbary powers, and we now wait 
your SAy. 

[^nsidp] He seems on tip-toe here since the arrival of 
his regalia — His neutral light wants trimming; but he 
will know more about some matters between me and the 
De\, as regards himself, and this before the next moon. 

Consul I'rirutk. I must say you ajjpear highly com- 
plimentary towards me, in my relations with the Bar- 
bary powers — As to my sentiment on this occasion, I'll 
give it to you freely as a good republica.i — Jaques Ame- 
ricano, the independent ruler of the United Christian 
Brotherhood in the West, and may they progress in li- 
berty, virtue, and happiness, until time shall be no more. 

Consul Bullycan. Tliis is lit"rally the very essence 
of neutral purity; and doas honour to the representa- 
tive of a free and enlightened nation, [aside] This is the 
moment to try my man l)v a little finesse — 

Apropos! Consul Tribute, I was much troubled about 
you in a dream a few ni<i;hts since, in wliich you appear- 
ed to have great difficulties with the Dey of Algiers, and 
they say here to dream about him is ominous! 

Consul Tuibute. And pray, what inference am I to 
draw from this t^hort preface? 

Consul Bullyoan. It was to me a confused aftliir, and 
I waked just as you were taking your congee. 

Consul Toibute. Then, after all your dream turns 
out to be only a shadow) [asSdr'] Yet i( seems strange to 
me, as he used the words of La<ly Tribute in her reply 
to my dream — " This would look ominous." 

Consul Bullycan. A mere shadnw; and I hope it 
does not alarm you, as you know tlie fanciful ))lay of the 
imagination will sometimes intrude on our slumbers — 
ha, ha, ha! 

(aside) I must laugh it off for the present — Bu* I see 
enough of my man to be thus taken at a. nonplus, such 
h2 



•90 

nerves are too weak for Algerine intrigue. The maxim 
of us Belligerents is, hardest fend oflf, and the Devil take 
the hindmost. 

Now, Consul Tool, as you are at home, give us your 
sentiment — {aside) You understand me, something by 
way of letting some folks here into a secret, which should 
be to them as plain as the nose on the face. 

Consul Tool. I give you my royal master the sovereign 
of Brazanga — and as we seem to have overlooked some- 
thing which concerns us all more or less here, I would 
add — Success to the Mediterranean trade, (aside) I 
need not open by say so. But John Bull will have the 
cream of this trade as long as they dictate to the Bar- 
bary powers, and we her allies must even submit, as well 
as other nations. 

Consul Bullycan. We drink to your national offer- 
ing with due respect. As to the concerns of the Medi- 
terranean sea, you know John Bull considers Gibraltar 
as her own safeguard therein. Now, Mr. Secretary 
O'Consequentio, what are you pleased to offer in ro- 
tation. 

Secretary O'Consequentio. Thus permitted, I say 
— May the balance of power be counterbalanced in the 
great scale of political justice, (aside) I composed this 
to outdo Mr. Secretary O'Sappio; he looks astonished, 
but I guess he cannot match it. 

Consul Bullycan. This seems a double balanced 
sentiment, without the power of vibration. But the point 
"with us is to keep in motion, so let us drink to it. Now, 
Mr, Secretary O'Sappio, perhaps your say so may throw 
some weight in the scale to determine the prepon- 
derance. 

Secretary O'Sappio. Sir, as I am to say — May the 
great empire of reason predominate in the balance of all 
earthly power, (aside) This must outbalance Mr. Sec- 
retary O'Consequentio, if not his superiors here. 

Consul Bullycan. This is truly in the superlative; 
(aside) But John Bull laughs at all this supererogation, 
for they who poise the beam of the great political scale, 
will so balance it as best suits their ambition and in- 
terest. Now, Captain Regalia, as you are a carrier in 
the Tributary Trade, give us something in your way to 



91 

keep the s>iip afloat — [aside] beware you have a bad 
pilot to your National Bark — and you may be taken 
aback yourself before you get out of the Mediterranean 
limits. 

Captain Recalia, (aside) It looks squally here— 
what shall I say? I am not used totliis sentimental play 
— But 1 must say something and cannot go far wrot)g, 
as I know my latitude by my observation of the day. — 
vSir, " may reason be ti\e pilot when passion blows the 
gale." 

CoxsuL BuLLYCAN. Well said in a few words. The 
great empire of reason itself could not ha\e been more 
to the poitit to pilot us through life's troubled ocean. 
>i0w, Ciii/-en Yankoo, what have you good to offer by 
way of volunteer. 

CmzEN Yankoo. Consul Bullvcan, I hope my offer 
may be considered reciprocal. " The hand that gives, 
and the heart that forgives" — [aside] and, if I could, 
without rescinding that already said, I might add — May 
the ditfereuce in political sentiment never mar the social 
harmony that should exist in all refined Christian so- 
ciety. 

Consul Bullycan. A very Christian-like offering, 
and as such we drink to it. (aside) I perceive by the cut 
of your scrutinizing eye this may be pointed towards 
me, if not some others here — But you had better take 
care how you meddle with us Consuls, or Algerine af- 
fairs, as you are strongly suspected in taking notes, and 
will be srictly watclied, lest you publish the same to 
the Christian world iiereafter. 

CoNsi'L BuLLYi AN. Now, Brother Chips and friends 
all here, by way of my last say, I'll give you — The fair 
sex the wide world over, may their domestic virtues 
make man supremely happy, and themselves pre-emi- 
nently so. 

Consul Trimmer. This is a finish that does honour 
to the head as well as tlie lieartof the authors, as it fully 
embraces like the philanthropist, all countries and 
dimes. 

Consul Bullyoan. P-rhaps it may be considered 
like the rest, happily selected to the pleasures of the 
day. 



Christian Monitor. Christians, by your talk, it 
would appear tliat your considerations did not extend 
beyond the day. Beware, the great book of fate will be 
open to you all in your earthly cares and intrigues — 
and remember, when wine is in, the truth leaks out. 



SCENE III. 

Consular House in the City, Consul Tribute seated on a 
sopha reading. 

Citizen Yankoo. {enters) Sir, I hope I do not dis- 
turb you by my presence. (retiring. 

CoNUSL Tribute. Sir, it is true I was reading a late 
very interesting work — Entitled, The London African 
Association. But I want some talk with you, please be 
seated — pray what have you done in t!je sales of your 
coffee? 

Citizen Yankoo, Sii% 1 should suppose Seignior Fac- 
totum could, and would have told you that nothing had 
been done. But as it seems he has not, 1 must say no- 
thing is likely to be dono; and my patience is nearly 
exhausted, as I expected to remain here only two 
months at most, and nea'r two years have elapsed, and 
heavy expenses. 

Consul Tribute. Sir, 1 did not thus expect to be 
called to account, either directly, or indirectly in any 
affairs between you and Seignior Factotum— However, 
I must now inform you, that I shall this da}' expect re- 
imbursement of all advances made you, as I am likely 
to be hard pushed for money, {aside) This will put 
matters to issue between us, as you seem to blame me, 
as well as Factotum. 

Citizen Yankoo. You must recollect the conditions 
on which thpse advances were made, and I had reason 
then to believe they woul;( have long since been repaid 
by remittances expected from Don Juan Martinpecker 
at Palma; but in this I have been sorely mistaken, as I 
am informed this man has failed and left his coas^ular 
station; and my prospects here seem very doubtful, to 
say no worse. However, let the sacrifices herein be 



what they may, let your Factotum sell, off hand; as 
mucii -of my curtee as will repay your a ivanccs, and all 
contin;i;encit'3 here, {aside) This will adjust ail pecuniary 
matters between us — as to otlier obligations of a more 
delicate nature, as a sojourner under your roof by your 
ovvn proffered hospitality, 1 should be tiie last to cancel 
this debt of gratitude. But you have most hypocritically 
forced me, as it would appear, to estimate your deport- 
ment tiirough a veil of mystery; and now even disavow 
your private, if not also your public interference in my 
affairs, this no doubt to sliake off any responsibdity 
which might attach hereafter. [^Exit Citizen Vankoo. 

Factotum, (enters) Consul 1 call as usual, to know 
your command for the day. 

Consul Tribute. You are here in the nick of time. 
Citi'ien Yaiikoo directs me to tell you to sell as much 
of his coffee in store as will repay all my advances, and 
all contingencies here; and be sure that you charge your 
own commissions therein. You know matters are under- 
stood between us. But as Yankoo blames you for ne- 
glect, let him see that you can make despatch, as you 
recollect he once told you this was the life of business. 

Factotum. If so, he shall not have occasion to blame 
me further, (aside) What care I for this Citizen Yan- 
koo, whether he is pleased or not, if I can be the gainer 
on his spoils; and as you expect half the commission, 
I'll make up for it in another way as no price is limited, 
1 have my ovvn speculators ready for the sacrifice. 

[^Exit. 

Captain Regalia, (enters) Consul Tribute, I come 
to report unpleasant news. The Commandant of Marine 
appears in surlj* mood, and has given me orders not to 
land any more of the Regalia cargo. 

Consul Triuute. Perhaps you mistake, as you do 
not understand the Lingua Franca. However, return 
on board your ovvn ship and remain quiet, I will cause 
inquiry into this affair. 

Captain Regaliv. As you please to direct me. 

Consul Tribute, (solus) What can this mean? 
Those Algerines at new vexations! This reminds me of 
Consul Bullycau'S dreaming story, and it also accords 



with my own dream about the Regalia cargo. This in- 
deed looks ominous! 

Factotum, (enters) Weil Consul Tribute, with some 
trouble I have succeeded. This bag contains eight hun- 
dred and nineteen golden sequins and seventy-five me^ 
zoons. The nett proceeds of that part of Citizen Yan- 
koo's coffee directed to be sold, [aside) The great 
speculators would not touch this small part after waiting 
so long for the whole. So I made quick work of it at my 
own price to my own friends, and I expect the remain- 
der on better terns, as I have just heard of fresh diffi- 
culties about your Regalia cargo here. 

Consul Tribute, {receives the money) Factotum, 
this account is well settled, now 1 have a matter of more 
importance for you — Captain Regalia has just been here, 
and infonns me that he has received orders not to land 
any more of his Regalia cargo. Haste to the command- 
ant of Marine mj best respects, and that I request to 
know the difficulty therein.^' [^Factotum — retiring. 

Three loud raps at the front door. Domestic announces 
Seignior Miistapha Minister of Marine. 

Consul Tribute. Conduct him in. Stop, Facto- 
tum, until we hear what the Minister has to say. 

MusTAPHA, [enters, with much gravity, bows thrice.^ 
Hear me Consul Tribute the representative of the Unit- 
ed Christian Brotherhood in the West — For divers 
causes and good reasons, I come formally to make 
known — " That your Consular functions are at an end 
here, and your exequator revoked by the Dey and Re- 
gency of Algiers, and it is decreed — That the Regalia 
cargo just arrived from your nation, not being found as 
it should, and particularly the powder, the whole is dis- 
claimed — and that part alreadj landed is to be taken on 
board again — and that in thi-ee days, from this hour, you 
are to pay up the whole of your tributary and other dues 
in money — and that, in the final settlement of all ac- 
counts during your Consalship here, you are to calculate 
by the Lunar and not the Solar year. This all done, 
you are then to depart with all citizens of your nation 
from this Regency within the said prescribed time. 

Consul Tribute. Seignior Mustapha, this appears to 



95 

me a very sudden and unexpected chanq;e in the tern' 
per and disposition of the l)i-y and Re<i^ency of Alj^iers 
towards my nation, and I consider it the more pointed- 
ly so, having; previously sanchoued my llei^alia. 

MusTAPHA. It is not with me to explain, I came 
with the commands of the Dey. 

Consul Tribute. Tlien in answer, say, I shall en- 
deavor to adjust all accounts in the manner and time 
prescribed, and be prepared to leave your dominions. 

MusiAPHA. 1 shall bear your answer to the Dey, my 
Sovereii:n (Exit. 

Consul Tribute. Miohty laconic — This is sum- 
mary Mork to be done on a short notice, and no means. 
I shall now miss our frii-nd David Brokereye. Let me 
recoll'^ct: [ shall want to borrow about twenty thousand 
golden sequins, upon the security of my Consular Bills 
on njy own Government. Now, Factotum, do you haste 
away amoMjjst the money changeis, and endt^avour to 
raise the sum required, never mind a little premium 
more or l.\ss, for the nion'. y must be forth comin<^, or I 
shall be in the vocative; and in the mean time, send my 
dragoman on board the Regalia ship to conduct the 
Captain here. 

Faciotum. I haste to execute your commands.— 
(.flside) — On tlie>ie terms I know my men w!io will be 
forth, coming with the ready rhino, but 1 need not tell 
you t'-is part. {E.rit. 

C^prAiN Hegalia, (enters.) Consul Tribute, 1 attend 
your call. 

Consul Tkibutk. The secret has come out; they 
have disclaimed the Regalia; and you are to take back 
on board your ship that part already landed; and as we 
are ordered to depart in three days, you will prepare 
your ship to receive me and my family, and all citizens 
of our nation here. {Exit Captain J<ejs:aUa. 

CinzEN Yankoo, (enters.) Consul Tribute, Seignior 
Factotum has just informed me that you are ordenul to 
depart this Regency, with all citizens of our nation, in 
three days; and he also informs me he cannot, since this 
report is abroad, dispose of my coffee for cash, on any 
terms. 1 therefore come to ask your Consular advice, 



and assistance, to have mj' coffee in store shipped on 
board the Regalia ship, or any other vessel you may 
point out, to be employed in this service, as you know 
that no Christian individual here can act but through 
the Consul of his nation, otherwise I should not trouble 
you herein at the moment. 

Consul Tuibute. I must inform you that my Con- 
sular functions are at an end here; and as to your coffee, 
if you cannof sell it offhand for as much as it will bring, 
and ever so little is better than nothing, you must even 
abandon it, as I shall do with the property of others of 
our citizens consigned to me, and trust to our Govern- 
ment for reparation therein hereafter. Now, as to your- 
self, although the ship is fully laden, yet some place 
will be found for you and other citizens of our nation 
here. 

Citizen Y\nkoo. I have provided for the worst, and 
now have to present this instrument of writing, by which 
you will perceive I have most solemnly protested against 
the powpr or powers that have violated the stipulations 
of the Treaty between our nation and this Regency, 
which declares: 

" That in case of war between the two nations, a 
reasonable time shall be allowed for all citizens of our 
nation to adjust their commercial concerns, and then 
to depart unmolested on board what vessel or vessels 
they should think proper, with their property." 

I must, therefore, as my right, demand your Consular 
signature to this my act, and thus give it due credence 
at home. {Hands the paper. Jlslde.) Although your 
Consular functions may be suspended by those Barba- 
rians in all matters between you and them, yet not so 
between you and me, and if you refuse, my only alter- 
native will be to protest against you for neglect of duty 
towards a citizen of your own nation, and this act may 
be witnessed before the whole of the Christian Consuls 
here, and I query whether some such step wouhl not be 
your Consular duty against the Dej and Regency of 
Algiers, if you had firmness to support your national 
rights here. 

Consul Tribute reads — then answers: Although 
this declaration might be considered correct, yet the 



97 

lano^uage is strong within the limits of a despotic govern- 
ment. However, we Christians Consuls are bound to 
attest all written documents presented by the citizens 
or subjects of our respective nations; provided, they 
first, on oath, declare the facts, and as you appear thus 
determined, lay your hand on the Sacred Book: " You 
do most solemnly swear to the truth of all that is written 
in the within instrument, purporting to be a protest 
against the Dey and Regency of Algiers, for a violation of 
the Treaty between them and our own nation, by wliicK 
your individual rights and interests are more or less 
compromitted, and therein reserving to yourself the right 
of extension, as the case may require." 

Citizen Yankoo. 1 do most solemnly swear to this 
my act, and desire that it may be recorded in your 
Consulate. (Kisses the Book. Aside.) And 1 might 
swear to much more that does not come within tho, 
limits of my present protest, and as you say my language 
has already been rather strong here, more of this hereafter. 

Consul Tribute. (Signs, seals, and delivers the pro- 
test — hands it back.) There Citizen Yankoo; I have 
herein done all that can be done under existing circum- 
stances, and I must now attend to matters concern- 
ing my own safety, as well as your's here. In the mean 
time, you may send your baggage on board the Regalia 
ship. 

Citizen Yankoo. This paper is all I have to show 
for many years' toils and dangers. But I must wait 
the issue where I dare speak and write my sentiments 
with freedom. (Aside) This ofl&cial document will, 
hovyever, serve to show to my country how a citizen of 
their nation has been treated and ultimately plundered 
by the Algerine freebooters, and it will also serve to 
found a correct appeal in defence of my own individual 
' rights; and if it should in the end discover some secrets 
at present enveloped in mystery here, let those who 
have made it necessary look to the consequences. Now, 
as you have directed, I must to my chamber and pack 
up my little baggage, and be ready myself to embark at 
a moment's warning, should you not adjust matters 
with those barbarians by paying for extended favors. 

{ej:it. 
I 



98 

(J loud rapping at the front door.) 

Consul Tribute, (solus.) Who can this be thus ira.- 
portunate? Perhaps some fresh orders from the despotic 
power of the land! Factotum makes long stay in his 
money negociations, but time flies swiftly with those 
dependent on the capricious nod of an avaricious ty- 
rant; would tliose three days were well over! 
Domestic announces Consul Bullyrock, Trimmer and 
Balance, with their Ladies. They enter. 

Consul Bullyrock. Our good neutral friend. Con- 
sul Tribute, having heard of the misunderstanding be- 
tween you and the Dey and Regency of Algiers, and 
that you are ordered to depart at three days notice, we 
come, according to our Consular rule, to offer you our 
friendly passport towards the safe conduct of the vessel 
that is to take you out of the Straits of Gibraltar, 
being the ad?nitted limits of our jurisdiction, according 
to the tributary system; and our wives and daughters 
attend us, to console Lady Tribute under these unhappy 
auspices. 

Consul Tribute. Thanks to ye, the Consuls of 
those Christian powers thus friendly disposed towards 
me, and the relations of my nation; and likewise to 
these your good wives and daughters, for their kind and 
feeling attention towards Lady Tribute. She is at pre- 
sent engaged in packing up our most valuables, to be 
ready to embark. I will send for her. {rings the hell—' 
a domestic enters.) 

Consul Tribute. Go tell your Mistress some good 
friends call to see her. [exit Domestic. 

Lady Tribute, (enters.) Ladies and gentlemen,.! 
am truly glad to see you. " Friends in need are friends 
indeed." 

Lady Trimmer. Keep good heart; we, your friends, 
have heard all, and come to offer pur best services. — 
Perhaps all may yet be happily adjusted by a golden 
salvo, the only cure for such evils here. 

Lady Tribute. .1 have my fears, and to be plain is 
to be sincere amongst friends. The Bullycans stand 
aloof to those they once called their best neutral friends, 
but they have no feeling towards man or woman, at least 
when their ambition or interests are concerned. 



99 

Consul Tribute. My Uear Lady Tribute, it is use- 
less to repine. Here comes our only hope, and it this 
will not soften the despot who rules our present desti- 
nies, as he has ordered us to depart, we must be otl, as 
fast as we can. to the land of freedom, and there before 
a free and enlightened nation, we may claim the right 
of being heard in these barbarian wrongs. 

Factotum (enters followed hj several slaves with 
bass of money.) Here it is, all in golden sequins and 
hard enough it was to be touched, as the money chang- 
ers had already gotten wind of the emergency of the 
case, and have also taken premium accordingly, [aside) 
It is true, I am to receive a handsome douceur when 
the bills are paid, but 1 need not tell you this part of 
my negociation. 

Consul Tribute. Well done. Factotum. As to 
the premium, more or less, it is not a consideration with 
me, when our liberty, if not our lives, may be at stake. 

Ladv Tribute. Well ladies, as there now seems 
to be a dawn of hope in this golden talisman, let us 
withdraw to my private apartment, and let the gentle- 
men do for the best towards our safe deliverance. 

[Hie ladies retire. 

Consul Tribute. Now, Factotum, let us make up 
the Dey's demand. First our yearly tribute, which is 
twelve thousand golden sequins. Then the difterence 
between the lunar and the solar time, during my Con- 
sular administration here, which is nearly ten years, 
and this will make nearly one year's more tribute. It 
is true, the last is a direct imposition by those merce- 
nary Musselmen to squeeze as much ready money out 
of me as they possibly can at this trying moment; but 
as I cannot contend againsi them, I must even leave it 
to my own nation to call them to account hereafter. 
{They set to counting the gold on the table.) 

Consul Trimmer. Suppose we Consuls here assist 
you in counting out. 

Consul Tribute. I was just thinking that you Con- 
suls might serve me in a better way. 

Consul Trimmer. Command my services, and I 
4are say you ipay mv colleagues, (aaide) What nowi 



100 

Consul Tribute. Whilst I am preparing the need- 
ful to pave the way towards adjustment, I would solicit 
the mediation of you three Consuls with the Dey. You 
might state to him what you have seen; that the money 
is all ready, and hint, likewise, that I have a bag in 
reserve, provided, a reasonable way can be pointed out 
for accommodation, and the renewal of my Consular 
functions here. 

Consul Bullyrock. I agree that the influence of my 
consular station shall be used for the relief of Consul 
Tribute; but would it not be better that one person first 
go to sound the Dey — and as Consul Trimmer speaks 
the lingua Franca, and understands the humours at the 
palace; T propose that he proceeds in this affair. 

{Aside.) It is true, I may be sanctioned by my master, 
the emperor of St. Cloud, to favour any Christian con- 
sul here, when they happen to come in contact with John 
Bull; yet I must not commit myself in person, as I have 
a further game to play in my national affairs with his 
Barbarian majesty, and he might in his capricious or 
avaricious humours dismiss me. 

Consul Trimmer. It appeal's. Consul Bullyrock, by 
what you say, and approved by Consul Balance, that I 
am to be the spokesman in this mediation; but I must 
premise, that my own national affairs do not stand on 
the best footing with the Dey at present; at all events, 
I'll go and do my best; but, on reflection, I would advise 
that the money be sent in advance — this may work mat- 
ters more smooth in the end, and I would also recom- 
mend that Consul Tribute go with me, at least as far as 
the antichamber, to be ready to step in should I succeed 
in my first impressions. 

Consul Tribute. As you please to advise, Consul 
Trimmer; and, Factotum, as the money is made up, 
haste away with it to the Dey's treasury. Now, Consul 
Bullyrock and Balance, I have a favour to ask of you 
and your ladies; that is to remain here with Lady Tri- 
T)ute until our return. 

Exeunt Consul Tribute and Trimmer. 



101 

Scene changes to the Dey^s Palace. 

The Dey seated with his prime minister Mahovtet, in 

deep conference. 

Officer in waiting announces Consul Bullycan. 

Tlie Dey. Conduct him in; then see that no other per- 
son enter to disturb us. . _ 

Consul Bullycan. (enters) Seignior Hadgi Ali Ba- 
shaw, the sovereign of Algiers, 1 have the honour to kiss 
your hand, 

The DiiY. {puts forth his hand) This done, please be 
seated. 1 sent for you, to have a confidential talk on 
matters now pending between your nation and me — It 
appears, by the advice of my minister lately at your 
court, that it is their wish' I should break oft' all rela- 
tions with the United Christian Brotherhood of the 
West. 

Consul Bullycan. Thus much I am instructed by 
my court to negociate with you; and this done, you may 
then count on my nation for a full supply of munitimis 
of war; and also to support you against all opposition 
and consequences, which may arise out of this proceed- 
ing. — As to this young nation of the West, although 
they claim the title of an independent people, yet you 
have little to fear from them, as they have only a few 
ships of war, and are not likely to trouble you, whilst 
John Bull and Gibraltar stand between you and them. 

The Dey. Not doubting your representation and your 
fair promises towards us, all siiall be done as you say. I 
have already deprived Consul Tribute of his exequator; 
and he shall depart my dominions by twelve o'clock this 
very day. 

Consul Bullycan. I consider all matters as defini- 
tively understood between us, and shall write my sove- 
reign to this effect. I have the honour to kiss your ma- 
jesty's hand. 

(inside.) I have done the thing to my mind — I know 
John Bull and this nation of the West expect hourly to 
be at war. The latter will have enough to do between 
us and the Barbary powers, whilst we thus contrive to 
skim the cream of their floating commerce on the Medi- 



m 

terraneaw Sea; but this part of our design I need not tell 
you. [e^if. 

The Dey. Consul Bullycan seems much pleased, as if 
more was understood by him than explained. Now, Ma- 
homet, let me have your opinion, how will all this af- 
fect us? 

Mahomet. My sovereign, we know that John Bull 
is on the point of war with this nation of the West; but 
Consul Bullycan has not, perhaps for some sly reason, 
brought this into your view- — then we are not bound to 
disclose all we know or intend. In my humble opinion, 
we should avoid any thing like open war with this nation; 
but we may send all our corsairs to sea, as if on a gene- 
ral cruise, and capture all the vessels of the nation of 
the West, found on these our waters of the Mediter- 
ranean sea — this will ensure us a number of slaves 
before they can be on their guard; and it will also be 
beforehand with John Bull, should they have the same 
design against us. 

The Dey. This seems sound policy, Mahomet; and it 
agrees perfectly with my views; and, for these reasons, 
I have in my own mind concluded not to detain Consul 
Tribute's regalia ship, but to send him and all of his na- 
tion here, oft' in the same. 

Officer in waiting enters. 

Offiger. May it please our sovereign, the Dey, Con- 
sul Trimmer and Consul Tribute are waiting in the 
antichamber to receive audience. 

The Dey. Ah! I suppose this Trimmer is coming with 
Tribute to beat a parley — I'll give them a short hearing 
to know their views, and if they are not to my liking, 
I'll send them off" with a flea in their ear, — Officer admit 
tliose Christians. 

Consul Trimmer, (enters, stops, and bows thrice; no 
notice taken of him — aside) I see Mahomet in deep confe- 
rence with the Dey, and I saw Qonsul Bullycan going 
out as I came in — this augurs against my mission; but as 
I have gotten so far, I must advance — 

Great sovereign of this regency, I have the honour to 
kiss your hand. 

The Dey. (puts it forth) This being done, what ^s 
your special business here? 



103 

Consul Trimmer. I now present myself before you,' 
with the mutual concurrence of Consul Bullyrock and 
Consul Balance, my respective allies, by way of media- 
tion in behalf of Consul Tribute, the representative of 
the United Christian Brotherhood in the West; and I 
am commissioned by the latter to say, that he greets you 
with the same good faith which has long existed in his 
consular relations with this regency; and I am also au- 
thorised to say, what in truth I saw, that he has already 
sent to your treasury money sufficient to fulfil all his 
national dues, and, between ourselves, that he has still 
a bag in reserve for further considerations; and Consul 
Tribute hopes this, my explanation, may be suffici- 
ent to invite a good understanding with your majesty, 
and that you will be pleased to admit him to your pre- 
sence, in friendly audience; and he is now waiting in the 
antichambcr to know your will and pleasure on this 
subject. 

The Dev. Most officious Christian meddler, be it 
known that my decree once passed is not to be trifled 
with by you, any more than one of my own subjects, 
who dare not question me vvhy or wherefore, or I would 
make them a head shorter! But how dare you, above all 
the rest named, appear before me in the quality of me- 
diator, when your own national affairs stand so far in 
the back ground? Have you forgotten I once placed 
you to work with my common slaves on the marine — 
this was to shame your trimming audacity. Beware the 
next time you thus dare me! And this lesson will serve 
for your friend Balance — as to your leader Consul Bul- 
lyrock, I shall call him to account some of these days, 
unless his master, the great emperor, pays up. 

(reside) He is no more than a usurper. Now, Trim- 
mer, go about your business for the present; and you 
may say to your friend Tribute that I want no further 
communication with him. It is M'ell he has paid up 
all his accounts promptly, this may save his bacon this 
heat — As to his petty bag in reserve, it is no temptation 
for me; and as he has let matters go on so far, nothing 
short of one million can make good friends again; and 
he may now go home and tell his nation this— and that 



104 

Hadgi All Bashaw cares not a fig for tliem, or any other 
Christian power — [aside) as long as John Bull supports 
me. {rings the bell). 

Officer in waiting enters. 

The Dey. I command that you show this Christian 
the way out of ray house, as he so unwittingly found his 
way in. (officer retiring) Hear me further! — As Consul 
Tribute is still in the antichamber, and feared to stand 
before me to plead his own cause, I command that 
you seize, and conduct him down to the marine; and 
there let the minister, Mustapha, see that the command- 
ant, Hassan, embarks this Christian on board his own 
regalia ship, and that his wife and family, and all citi- 
zens of his nation here have the same liberty. 

Exit officer and Consul Trimmer. 

Scene changes to the antichamber. 

Consul Tribute, (solus — takes out his watch) I 
thought it at least one hour since Consul Trimmer left 
me, and only fifteen minutes have elapsed — time passes 
heavily, and I feel as if all was not right. 

Consul Trimmer, (enters) Bad tidings my friend— 
The Dey is in angry mood with you, and all our party, 
and myself hard threatened in my national affairs— the 
cause is evident; I saw Consul Bullycan coming from 
private audience with the Dey and his prime minister. 
This officer has orders to embark you direct from hence: 
your lady and family, and all citizens of your nation 
have their liberty, and are permitted to embark with you 
on board the regalia ship, with orders to sail by twelve 
o'clock this day, and no grace. 

(aside) I find that Bullyrock has made me the cat's 
paw to you, and 1 am not sure but it will be my turn 
next. 

Consul Tribute. This is bad enough, Consul Trim- 
mer; but since it is so, I have one more favour to beg of 
you; that is, haste back to Lady Tribute, and see that 
she is safe conducted on board the regalia ship to me? 

Consul Trimmer. Thus much I will endeavour at all 
hazards to myself. 



105 

Officer. Consul Trimmer, you know my orders, and 
no time for Christian parley; so go your ways — and Con- 
sul Tribute, my orders are to conduct you to the marine 
there to be embarked. Ejceunt omnes. 

Scene changes to Consul Tribute'' s House. 

Consul Trimmer, [enters) Be not alarmed, good 
friends, that you see me without Consul Tribute; I have 
not time to tell you a long story; but he is safe on board 
his own regalia ship, by the Dey's command; and Lady 
Tribute and family, and all citizens of their nation are 
permitted their liberty to embark immediately — I come 
to conduct you in safety there — Haste, wait for nothing, 
as the ship is to sail by twelve this day, and no grace — 
Come, take my arm! 

Lady Tribute. In truth, I stand in need of some 
friendly support at this moment; but thus permitted my 
liberty, I am ready to fly to my husband. 

Exeunt omnes. 

Citizen Yankoo. (enters the saloon solus) No one 
to be seen or heard about the house! — It looks solitary 
to me, and much like as if all was not as it should be 
here! 

Fierre, the domestic, enters. 

Pierre. Citizen Yankoo still here — I am surprised! 
Perhaps you do not know your critical situation — Con- 
sul Tribute, his lady, and family, and all the citizens of 
your nation are already embarked on board the regalia 
ship, by order of the Dey, to sail by twelve o'clock this 
day, and no grace. Haste away, or you may be left be- 
hind, and become a slave as well as myself. 

Citizen Yankoo. Pierre, you give me timely advice, 
here is a golden sequin for the last services, and all my 
money except just enough to pay the porter to carry my 
writing desk and small trunk to the Marine, and then for 
a boatman to take me on board the Regalia ship; and as 
you say 1 have no time to spare, I must be off — farewell, 
farewell. Exeunt Yankoo, Forter, &c. 

Pierre, [solusi It is singular that no one thought of 
Citizen Yankoo; he no doubt, as usual, was quietly 
writing in his chamber; Factotum at least must have 



106 

known this as he was here a few minutes ago. But he 
is no friend to Citizen Yankoo, and I know he has over- 
reached him in the concerns of his coffee, but I dare not 
saj so, or it would bring nie into trouble. It is said he 
is a great friend to us slaves, and is writing a book aoout 
the Tribute. God speed him in safety to his native 
shore, and there I hope he will tell his tale to the Chris- 
tian world of what he has seen and heard here. 

Scene changes to the Marine. 

Citizen Yankoo. [pays the Porter, then junifn into 
a boat at the landing] Come boatman, take my trunk 
and desk and row me to the Christian Regalia ship at 
anchor. 

Boatman. Christian you seem in a hurry, what will 
jou give us? [aside] We know your reasons are press- 
ing. 

Citizen Yankoo. That will depend on your expedi- 
tion. But if you mean to go, say so, as I perceive the 
ship is weighing anchor, or I may lose my passage, and 
you the fare, [aside] It you trifle, as I see no other 
boat handy, I'll jump in the water and swim on board, 
and trust to getting my effects from here. 

Boatman, [to his comrade^ The Christian will no 
doubt pay us well if we haste, [takes the trunk and 
desk — row off canting] "The Mocha man is suspected 
of being a spy here, and well he may pay us for taking 
him on board the Regalia ship." [they arrive along 
side] Now Christian, your pay for our haste. 

Citizen Yankoo. Rere is a piece of silver double 
the amount of your common fare, [aside] These free- 
booters have canted out a secret, and now look as if 
they would rifle me. 

Boatman. Christian Dog, promise to pay well, and 
now give only double fare — Dam rogue tief de boat- 
man, great mind to row him back to the shore to be 
made a slave. 

Citizen Yankoo. You are well paid, but whether or 
not, you will get no more, for the best of reasons, [turns 
his pockets out] there, seeing is believing, [jumps on board 
the Regalia ship] Boatman, hand my trunk and desk, 
I do not want to be rowed back just now. 



107 

BoAiMAN. [tosses the trunk and desk on board the 
ship] There, take your duds, [aside] We see the com- 
mandant of Marine looks sour towards us, and we must 
mind him. 

Citizen Yankoo. Well Captain Regalia, here am I 
the last citizen of your nation from the city of Algiers, 
and diflicult it was to get here, after spending my last 
cent. 

Captain Regalia. We are glad to see you Citizen 
Yankoo on any terms as the anchor is a trip, and a few 
minutes longer delay we should have been off without 
.you — what detained you? 

Citizen Yankoo. The last is a question I cannot 
answer to my own satisfaction, if to yours — Perhaps I 
was overlooKed when matters of great import inter- 
vened? (aside) There stands one person here, at least, 
who might answer you better than myself, but it might 
commit him as accessary to my ruin, and then, perhaps, 
to prevent my telling this tale to the Christian world 
they would desert me here. 

Consul Tribute. Citizen Yankoo, it is well it is no 
worse, and let us all make the best of a bad bargain — 
Now Captain Regalia, I pray you to put your ship un- 
der sail, and let us depart quietly whilst we have the 
liberty, (aside) This citizen of our nation is a stubborn 
dog, as the Algerines say; and I suppose I shall never 
hear the last of this day's work, or his mocha. 

Captain Regalia. That's true, we had better get 
out of the way of present trouble, than stay to talk over 

f>ast grievances! Come my boys, bear a hand up aloft, 
oose the sails, and sheet all home, I now see the wind 
is fair to clear the port. 

Hassan, Commandant of ^narine. Silence! All per- 
sons here not strictly authorised to depart in this vessel 
are ordered to retire to the boats along side, I must ex- 
amine that no slave steals away? 

Consul Trimmer. Well Consul and Lady Tribute, 
this command is definitive towards your departure, as 
also to us who are to return to the shore; and having 
seen you thus far through your troubles, we must now 
take our final leave, wishing you all a safe passage and 



108 

happy meeting with your friends on the other side of 
the great waters — farewell, farewell. 

Factotum. [takes leave of Consul and Lady 
Tribute — then comes to Yankoo) Well my good 
friend, I need not say that I am glad to see you in safety 
here; you have my best wishes, and 1 most sincerely 
hope you may be remunerated by your country for the 
loss of your coffee, {aside) It will be dished here, and 
you cannot help yourself; although by your high sound- 
ing protest of this day, you seem to threaten what you 
will say, and do at home, but even in this you may be 
counteracted, as ambition and interest if well combined 
must subdue any individual exertion however deter- 
mined. 

Citizen Yankoo. I have ultimately to thank you for 
your very good wishes, as well as for the great zeal you 
have frequently expressed for my concerns entrusted to 
your care by Consul Tribute, {aside) Most consummate 
renegado apostate, I perceive your half extended hand, 
but 1 am not disposed to give you mine-^you will hear 
of me to your shame hereafter — You have gotten my 
coffee among you on shore, and it was not by your good 
will that T am safe on board this ship — and this base 
attempt to have me enslaved, proves you in my mind 
the greatest of villains! Exit Factotum, 

Hassan, Commandant of Marine. Silence! I hear 
the watch word on the tops of the mosques and mina- 
rets, proclaiming the hour of mid-day — and this. Consul 
Tribute, also warns you, that your time is up here— 
and no grace! Be off. — {Jumps into his boat and rows 
towards the shore — the ship gets under a press of sail. 

Captain Regalia. All is well — now good friends, as 
we are safe out of the reach of a culverin from the 
Dey's great gun, let us cheer up; I'll set you a good ex- 
ample on board my own ship. Boy, hand the grog about 
— Come, I'll give you a sentiment. — Here is to the 
breeze that may speedily waft us from the land of des- 
potism, to the land of freedom. And now as we are out 
of the hearing of tyrants, we might as well be merry. — 
I'll sing you a song written by one of our countrymen, 
called the Tribute, to the tune of the Plenipotentiary. 



109 



THE TRIBUTE. 

When great Barbarossa had conquered Algiers, 
His fame as a piiate, disturb'd Christian trade; 
Then he intrigued with them all through hopes or fears; 
And each nation in turn, him great tribute paid; 
The Barbary powers commenced from this day. 
And no Christian could pass the straits in or out. 
Until Mediterranean passport did pay. 
Or the freebooters after their commerce would scout. 
Tol-de-rol — and made all Christendom pay down in 
tribute. 

AU Basliaw, late his plenipo, sent to Bull court. 
But this was to spy out the true state of aifairs; 
And to cover his views it afforded some sport. 
By a present of Africa's wild beasts in pairs. 
The great lords were astonished at viewing this train. 
To see the lion, tiger, jackass and jackall; 
Then sent to the tower, and for life to remain: 
But mind — The Mussulman was well paid for them all. 
Tol-de-rol — there are more ways than one to get tri- 
bute. 

Ye nations most wise, a christian makes bold, 
To offer his brethren council in freedom; 
Pray send no more tribute in silver or gold: 
For the Dey and his bandit will mischief breed on. 
And send no more powder, and munitions of war. 
For you thus pamper this piratical minion; 
Who will contrive to kick up a consular dust. 
And ship the weakest off from his dominion. 

Tol-de-rol — Then stand clear such nation, until more 
tribute. 

But the stripes of the West will make this Bashaw do 

right. 
For no more will we bend to kiss any Dey's hand; 
Nor with tribute to court, but a fleet in his sight. 
To treat with this ilespot, and his Algerine band. 
For should you submit millions for passport to-day. 



110 



He looks for double the amount on the morrowi 
Or those that are caught on his waters must ransom payj 
If not, they are chained in the bondage of sorrow! 
Tol-de-rol — and all this for Barbarian tribute. 



ACT V. SCENE I. 

The Divan seated in conclave — Mahomet the prime 
minister enters. 

Mahomet. Friends of our Divan, I salute you— and 
come to advise you of the supreme will and pleasure of 
our sovereign Hadgi Ali Bashaw — He commands that 
war in all its terrors under the bloody flag, be proclaim- 
ed against the United Christian Brotherhood in the 
West. 

SoLYMAN, tJie Oracle of the Divan. We receive from 
our prime minister the supreme commands of the Dej 
our sovereign, and shall cause them to be entered in the 
archives of this regency. 

Mahomet. You know that secret orders were given 
to the commanders of our corsairs when they last put to 
sea not to ransom any vessels of the nation of the west, 
but to bring them all into port? and every wind that 
blows this way we may expect to see some prizes with 
captives. Had we known what has lately come to our 
ears. Consul Tribute, his family, the mccha merchant 
and all citizens of their nation in our dominions should 
have been detained as slaves, as well fs their Regalia 
ship which has been seized at Gibraltar by John Bull, as 
the former has declared war against them, however, we 
must endeavour in the scramble to make up for this 
oversight. The renegado apostate Factotum, has turned 
out a double faced villain towards us, and deserted 
Algiers for fear ot punishment. But as his father is im- 
plicated in his transactions, we must seize on his effects, 
and decapitate him. 

MusTAPHA, minister o/ marine, [enters'] Seignior Ma- 
homet, hearing you were with the divan, I come with 
good news. Our frigate Mizouda, commanded by our 
admiral Rais Hamida, has returned to port with a prize 
l^rig and eleven captives of the nation of the west. 



Ill 

Mahqmet. This is something by way of a beginning, 
but we may look for more, as our corsairs are scouring 
these our seas. I must to the Dey with the news; and 
do you, Mustapha, haste back, and direct that a grand- 
salute be fired from the Castle in lionor to our Admiral, 
and let the slaves be landed. [ea-eunt. 

Scene changea to the Marine, 

Rais Hamida (lands with his prisoners hand -cuffed — 
To the slave keeper. Here Blackbeard, take these 
Christian dogs into your s;ife -keeping, and you may 
now give their liands liberty as they are safely moored 
with us. There are eleven in number. 

Blaokbeaud. Come, Christian Captain, let me take 
off your ruffles; as to shirt, I see none — now. Mate, it 
is your turn; and now for you Jack Tars. There; as 
soon as you have rested a little we shall find employ- 
ment. 1 suppose you are all good at the palm and 
needle, (counts them.) Yes, all here. 

Rais Hamida. WeU thought of — Christian Captain, 
I want you and your crew to set to work immediately 
and overhaul my sails and rigging, that 1 may be ready 
for sea again when the Dey commands, and then 1 should 
like to meet one of your best frigates; I would soon 
bring some more of your countrymen to keep you com- 
pany at Algiers. 

CiiniSTiAN Captain. Seignior Rais Hamida, you see 
iny hands have been so much cramped with haid 
shackles that I cannot, at present, hold a needle to the 
palm, and I observe this is the case with my crew. — 
(aside) These petty buccaniers will insult us Christian 
captives, as they know not the meaning of liberty! But 
never mindj my boys, tliis braggadocia Admiral may 
sooner or later meet one of our frigates to try his vaunt- 
ing courage; and this you may depend on for present 
consolation — our country will not forget usi 

Blackbeard. Christian Captain, no more of vour 

palaver, or I'll soon silence you, and ye independent 

growlers, all, come away with me, and*^find the use of 

your hands instead of your tongues. [exeunt omnes. 

Scene changes to the Divan. 

SoLTMAN, the Oracle. Friends of our Divan, over- 
tures have been made to the Dey and Regency of Al- 



112 

giers, by the United Christian Brotherhood in the West, 
for the ransom of their citizens in captivity here. But 
it has pleased the Dey, our Sovereign, to answer that 
"he would not release them under one million pias- 
tres," and through these he expects to make a. good 
peace and a good penny in the end. The Messenger 
could not treat on these terms, and has returned to Gib- 
raltar, to wait fresh instructions. They, no doubt, will 
come to our terms, as they value even the name of liber- 
ty more than money. You recollect they paid us a good 
round sum for their first ransom, and a Treaty; besides 
making us a present of a frigate in the bargain. 

Mahomet, Prime Minister, (enters.) Friends of our 
Divan, I greet you in the name of Hadgi Ali Bashaw, 
our Sovereign, who commands me thus to say unto you: 
— " We have received letters by a zebeque, just come to 
anchor, which advises us that a squadron of ships of war 
have arrived at Gibraltar from the United Christian 
Brotherhood in the West, and it appears they are com- 
ing here to ransom their citizens on their own termsj 
and what makes this the more imperious towards us, 
they have made peace with John Bull, who now disa- 
vows any hand in our late acts against the Nation of the 
West. This is just like belligerent perfidy! We must 
now watch both these powers, and favour John Crappeau 
and such other Christian nation who may still be de- 
sirous to court our favors in the tributary system. 

MusTAPHA, Minister of Marine, (enters.) Seigniors 
of our Divan, I am sorry to be the messenger of bad 
news; but I have to report that a zebeque has just ar- 
rived from Alicant, the Captain of which thus makes 
his declaration: — " That on his way here he witnessed 
an action between an Algerine frigate and one of the 
United Christian Brotherhood of the West, and that 
after a short contest our frigate struck her colors; and 
one of our brigs in company was run on shore on the 
coast of Spain." 

Mahomet. Bad news for us; and what makes it 
worse, our fleet are all out in different directions, and 
may be intercepted; but, Mustapha, there may be some 
deception in this report— send hither the Christian that 



113 

gives it, that we may question him more forcibly. 

{exit Mustapha. 

Hassan, Commandant of Marine, (enters.) Seigniors 
of tlie Divan, the Minister of Marine commands me to 
conduct this Christian to answer you in his report. 

Mahomet. Who arc you Christian.'' From whence 
came you — and what do you know about an action be- 
tween one of our frigates and a ship of some other nation? 

Captain. Seigniors, I am a regular trader between 
this and Alicant, as your Commandant of Marine can 
testify, which 1 trust will give me credence here in 
what I have to say — On my passage here I was board- 
ed from a frigate of the United Christian Brotherhood 
in the West, and ordered on board their ship with my 

})apers. I there recognized the Captain; having seen 
lim at Gibraltar. His name is Intrepid, the well known 
hero at the siege of Tripoli. After examination of my 
papers he dismissed me, and I returned on board my 
zebequej but it being calm, I remained in sight some 
time. At length 1 saw the frigate bear down on a 
frigate with Algerine colors, and after a short action, 
the latter struck her colors, and a consort brig made oft' 
and was chased ashore on the coast of Spain. 

Mahomet. Christian, is this a true account; and is 
it all you know about any matters that concern us?— ~ 
Beware how you attempt to trifle with us on affairs ot 
this import. 

Captain. I most solemnly declare this to be a true 
statement of facts, as witnessed by my own eyes. Fur- 
ther I do not pretend to say, as the wind'sprung up 
and I made the best of my way here. 

Mahomet. Christian, we dismiss you for the pre- 
sent; go and mind your own business, and not even 
talk about this, or any other Algerine affairs here, under 
the pain of our displeasure, if not worse. 

Exeunt Captain and Hassan. 

Mustapha, (enters.) Seigniors, I come in haste to 
report what I have seen. A fleet of ships of war, as 
they appear, from tiie cut of their sails, are coming di- 
rect from the very quarter where the late action is stat- 
ed to have taken place, and steering for our port. 

Mahomet. Tiiis looks squally towards us. I must 

k2 



114 

be off to the Palace, to make report to the Dey, our So- 
vereign, that he may command preparations according- 
ly. Do you, Mustapha, haste back to your place of ob- 
servation at the pavilion, and give strict orders to the 
Commandant of Marine to keep his row boats, night 
and day, at the mouth of the Mole head, to prevent the 
escape of any of our slaves; for, whether this fleet come 
as friends or foes, if any Christian captives should make 
good their way on board, they would be there protected. 

Scene changes to the Marine. 

Fleet of the United Christian Brotherhood in the West, 
come to anchor in the Hay of Algiers, with their flag 
of stripes jlying. 

Mustapha, the Minister, and Hassan, the Commandant 
of Marine, on the look out, with their spy-glasses. 

Mustapha. It is but too true. I see plainly our fri- 
gate Mizouda amongst this fleet, and as the crescent 
is reversed, she must be prize. I must haste to the Dey 
with this unwelcome report. Do you, Hassan, remain 
here and watch their motions. 

Commodore Intrei'id, (.on board the ship Warrior.) 
Man our cutter well, and let our first officer be the 
bearer of a flag verbatim — first, to see if those Mussel- 
men are well disposed to receive, and treat with us; at 
tlie same time, we may look round and see which is 
their weakest side. 

Flag Bearer, (hoist§ his white signal and rows to 
the shore — officer lands. Now, cockswain, lay off from 
the shore on your oars, and let no one board you under 
any pretence whatever. So, here comes somebody, I 
suppose, to know who and what I am. 

Hassan. Stranger, of what nation are you, and what 
is your business on this our shore? 

Flag Bearer. The color of my flag bespeaks a Mes- 
senger of Peace! I come at the command of Commo- 
dore Intrepid, of the squadron of the United Christian 
Brotherhood of the West, now hefore your city. My 
business is to know if you are well disposed to treat 
with him in the existing difference between us and your 
nation. 



115 

Hasssan. Be pleased to walk into this pavilion and 
be seated, whilst I send a messenger to the Minister of 
Marine, to be by him communicated to the Dey, our 
Sovereign, to know his supreme will and pleasure to- 
wards you. [inessenger departs. 

MusTAPHA (enters the pavilion.) Christian, I am 
commanded by the Dey, our Sovereign, to say, that he 
grants permission for this Christian mission to land and 
proceed to tlie Palace. But your people are not to en- 
ter the barrier-gates of our city until matters are adjust- 
ed between us. 

Flag Bearer. Good; I will bear this answer to my 
commander. Exit, 

Commodore Intrepid, {with his colleague, lands. — 
Now, officer of the barge, lay off from the shore, and 
keep good look out for my return. 

MusTAPHA, {Minister of Marine receives this mission 
at the landing;.) Citizens of the United Christian Bro- 
therhood in the West, I am commanded by Hadgi Ali 
Bashaw, our Sovereign, to conduct you to his presence, 
to hear what you may have to say to him and this Re- 
gency in behalf of your nation. {Aside) We expect 
one million of piastres in the first instance to the Dey, 
besides rich by-presents, before we make good friends 
again. Exeunt omnes. 

Scene changes to the Palace. 

Mahomet. {To the Officer of the Guard.) This 
Christian mission has permission to pass into the Dey's 
presence. 

Officer of the Guard. They may pass at the 
word of our Prime Minister, but they will first be pleas- 
ed to deposit their swords and canes with me, as it is 
not permitted thus armed to pass to the presence of our 
Sovereign, the Dey. 

Commodore Intrepid. Officer, you may be right in 
your duty, but I must inform you that my side arms are 
as part of my dress, and I cannot derobe myself on my 
own duty. As to canes, it matters not; they may be 
put aside, but they are, by custom, the accompaniment 
of men in public as well as private life. 

Officer of the Guard. Christians, I must first 



116 

report to the Dey, and receive his special permission 
before you can thus enter. [Exit officer. He returns.) 
Christians, as a special favor, you are permitted thus to 
enter. 

MusTAPHA. Follow me , Christians. (They enter- — 
TTie Dey seated with Mahomet, his Prime Minister.) 
May it please the supreme will and pleasure of Hadgi 
Ali Bashaw, our great Sovereign, Dey of Algiers, I now 
have to present this mission from the United Christian 
Brotherhood in the West. [^Tliey bow.'] 

The Dey. Those Christians seem strangers to the 
custom of our court. What would they, after first kiss- 
ing my hand? ^Holding it forth.] 

Commodore Intrepid. Seignior Hadgi Ali Bashaw, 
the Dey of Algiers, we have to greet you in the name 
of the United Christian Brotherhood of the West, a free 
and enlightened nation; but we are commanded by them 
not to do homage to any foreign power, by kissing either 
hand or toe. Under this explanation, you will excuse 
our bending to this preliminary. 

The Dey. Christians, you are punctilious in the 
extreme. You certainly should know this civility has 
been accorded to the Dey of Algiers by all the courteous 
representatives of ancient Christendom; but as this form 
seems repugnant to you as the representatives of a new 
order of things, I waive this prerogative, as I have done 
that of your standing before me with your swords and 
canes; and now pray, what is your specific business with 
me and this Regency? 

Commodore Intrepid. Seignior, the Dey of Algiers, 
be it known we come duly authorised by our nation to 
offer conditions of peace, although you were the first ag- 
gressors by the violation of treaty, and the dismissal of 
our consul, Tribute, and some citizens of our nation, who 
were obliged to abandon their property and depart at three 
days notice; and v/e are also informed of the cruelty to- 
wards those of our citizens since taken on board our 
merchant vesssels, being loaded with heavy fetters; and 
last of all, we have heard of the vain boasting of your 
commander, Rais Hamida, to meet one of our frigates. 
This has fallen to my lot, and I must now inform you of 



117 

the issue — After a short action, your commander was 
killed, and your frigate Mezouda struck her colours to 
my ship the Warrior; this, no doubt, will be a severe 
blow to you, if not to the tribute system generally; but 
your ship, and all your subjects will be restored, provid- 
ed you first release those tew of our citizens you hold 
in cruel bondage, and otherwise agi-ee to such terms as 
these preliminaries of our nation require of us to de- 
mand. 

The Dey. Christians, as to the death of my admiral, 
and the loss of my frigate, they must come into the pro- 
fit and loss account ot the war. But in making peace, I 
would have you to know, that you should first, as other 
Christian nations do, make some direct and liberal offers 
by way of a better understanding, and, more especially, 
for the valuable privilege of once more navigating these 
our seas, and our intermediate protection therein, ac- 
cording to the usages of our Mediterranean passport. 

CoMMODouE Intrepid. Seignior, as to the navigation 
of these seas, which you are pleased to call your waters, 
we are instructed to say, what this day should convince 
you — that is, our nation in future will not require either 
your passport or protection to the Mediterranean Sea— 
Now to the point; these are the specific terms we have to 
offer you — 

First, That you immediately set at liberty all the ci- 
tizens of our nation now held in slavery by you, said to 
be eleven in number; for which we a^ree to return your 
frigate and all your subjects, about four hundred. 

Second, Tliat you are not to expect ransom money. 

Third, No tribute hereafter. 

Fourth, To make full reparation for all property 
abandoned by our citizens at Algiers in consequence of 
your violation of the then existing treaty, and for all 
captures since by your corsairs on the high seas. And 
lastly; in case peace is made, and we send you a consu- 
lar representative, that you comport towards him and 
our citizens visiting Algiers, with that civility and good 
faith which should be observed between all nations in 
their commercial relations. 

The Dey. Christians, your conditions appear so 
worded as to create innovations in the system of tribute 



118 

generally, and this, you must full well know, concerlis 
the rest of the Barbary powers as well as this regency; 
and, from the present view, I cannot consent to your 
preliminaries. Perhaps I might contrive to favour you, if 
your stipulations were so qualified, as to ensure me a 
supply of powder and other matters which might here- 
after be agreed on by the consul of your nation, should 
you be disposed to renew your relations with me and 
this regency. (Aside) This much byway of feeling your 
pulse— As to what the other Barbary powers say or do, 
it does not concern me; I stand alone, and my rule is to 
exact Christian submission where I can do it widi im- 
punity. It is true, the loss of my best frigate and admi- 
ral operates against me at the moment; but this I must 
brave out until I see my way to remedy the evil. 

Commodore Intrepid. Seignior, in reply, I must be 
permitted to say, if you should persist in a supply of 
powder from our nation, they might insist on your tak- 
ing a compliment of ball by way of a suitable accompa- 
niment. 

(Aside to his colleague.) We must show this Bashaw 
that we are not come to beg favours, as is the custom 
here, by tributary submission; but, as the representatives 
of an independent nation, we are fully prepared to en- 
force our rights the moment this despot makes it neces- 
sary. 

The Dey. Christians, you seem disposed to be facetious 
at my propositions, lam serious, and expected to be treat- 
ed with accordingly; (aside) this is tough work, I never 
was so bearded by man. 

Commodore Intrepid. Then, most serious, seignior, 
we mean as we say. 

(Aside to his colleague.) This once might have been 
considered barefaced in the teeth of this mussulman and 
his bandit, who have bullied the Christian world; but 
let him stump us if he dare, and we will give him a sam- 
ple of both our powder and ball, as we did the Tripoli- 
tans, to the tune of Yankee Doodle. 

The Dey. Christians, I must have a reasonable time to 
consider your conditions — This is the usage of natious, 
and I expect you will in the mean time reconsider, and 
be more liberal when we meet again. 



119 

Commodore In i uevid. Seignior, to be plain with you, 
our time is limited here; but we would rather end plea- 
santly than not, and this must now depend on yourself, 
yet tliis one point we must insist on, that is, your an- 
swer, yea or nay, in three days. 

(Jlside) You may consider this as imperious, on your 
own grounds, but it was your own rule, as to manner 
and time, at the moment you dismissed our consul and 
citizens; and we must now make it work towards a 
speedy release of our own countrymen, no doubt anx- 
iously waiting the issue. 

The Dey. Christians, it may so happen that you make 
more haste than good speed herein in the end; but as 
you seem to be hastily inclined, my answer will be defi- 
nite as to manner and time. 

Commodore Intrepid. Seignior, having said all we 
liave to say for your consideration, we have the honour 
to make our respectful bow, and shall retire to our ship- 
ping until we hear from you. 

The Dey. Christians, let it be understood that both 
parties remain strictly peaceable in the mean time; and 
I now commit you to the friendly protection of our prime 
minister, Mahomet, and Mustapha the minister of ma- 
rine, who will conduct you to your ships, and see that 
you receive from our shore refreshments, and every 
other civility during our negociations. 

Commodore Intrepid. Seignior, we have to return 
thanks in the name of our nation for these marks of your 
civility and hospitality; and, should we require any 
small matters of refreshment from your shore, we shall 
send our flag in due form. 

[^side) I perceive you are disposed to keep peace 
with us — we shall not break it until we find you trifle; 
but, in the mean time, you must excuse me if I bring my 
ships to anchoi close in with your castle, to be ready in 
case you defy us. 

Exeunt Slahomet, Mustapha, and Christian mission. 

The Dey, {solus) These Christian representatives are 
more daring than any I have had to deal with. I must 
be civil towards them, for I now know to my sorrow 
they are more powerful at sea than I was taught to be- 
lieve; but in this deception I have John Bull to blame; 



120 

and even they have been beaten in equal combat, and 
several of their frigates sunk or taken by this nation of 
the West; and their intrepid commander now tells me 
to my face, •• If 1 dare ask powder they will send me 
ball." It is true, I might return the compliment by hot 
shot from my castle — and they might in the end knock 
the town about my ears; then worse consequences; I 
should certainly be attacked by the Moors from the 
mountains and desert, as they have considered us Alge- 
rines as usurpers of their soil, ever since the days of 
our great Barbarossa. Apropos! I will send for Consul 
Trimmer; he knows all about this difference between me 
and this nation of the West, as he once wanted to me- 
diate between us, and may now be useful to my cause; 
and to win him, I must hint certain expected national 
favours in case he succeeds to my wishes, [rings the 
bell.) 

Officer in waiting enters. 

The Dey. Send a messenger to Consul Trimmer — my 
respects, and that I desire his presence on matters of 
business. Exit officer. 

Mahomet, (enters) My sovereign, I have seen all 
done towards this Christian mission as you commanded; 
and as our Divan are in conclave by your orders, I call- 
ed in to hear their deliberations; and I also sounded 
them on the best policy to treat with these independent 
Christians. 

The Dey. Good, as to the Christian mission; but what 
say the Divan on the state of matters in the present 
contest; and, what think you, Mahomet, cannot we ma- 
nage them by our usual plan of daring artifice? 

Mahomet. My sovereign, you have had a sample in 
talk from these Christians; and the intrepid commodore 
is mooring his ships near our castle — this looks at least, 
as if he was not afraid. The Divan seem timid at this 
apparent menace; and they say, this naval commander 
is a well known hero among the Barbary powers; the same, 
you may recollect, who, a few years since, when only a 
subaltern youth, fought so bravely at the seige of Tri- 
poli, where he stood sword in hand opposed to theTripo- 
litans, and slew several with his own hand, and accom- 



121 

plished the object of his enterprise; for which signal ser- 
vices, his country has honoured and promoted him; and 
most probably, tor liis experience in Barbary warfare, 
has sent liim to treat with us, the Algerines. 

The Dey. Mahomet, these appear powerful reasons 
to operate against us: and you say the Divan are timid, 
and even yourself seem doubtful. On the whole, per- 
haps, we had better temporise for the present; tliis will 
be the only way to get back our frigate and preserve 
the rest of our ships; and as they offer to treat on our 
own ground, it will still appear as if they truckled to us; 
however, I liave determined to engage Consul Trimmer 
to sound this mission before 1 yield in any point. 

Officer in waiting enters. 

Officer. Our sovereign majesty, Consul Trimmer is 
waiting to receive audience. 

The Dey. Conduct him in. 

Consul Trimmek. (enters) Your majesty, I attend at 
your command, and have the honour to kiss your hand. 

The Dey. It is well — please be seated. I sent for you 
to have some talk on national affairs — It seems the old 
dispute between myself and Consul 'I'ribute is revived; 
and as you once offered to mediate in this affair, and 
know all about it, you now maybe of service in the same. 
1 wish you to go, as if on your own friendly visit, on board 
the ships of the United Christian Brotherhood in the 
West, now before our city — hear what they have to say, 
and if you find them not repsonably disposed, use your 
own discretion in explanation; but, minil you, in such a 
manner as to preserve inviolate my right of tribute. 
Your national interests, as well as mine, are inseparably 
connected with this decision, and on your success on the 
specific point, you may expect your own favours with 
this regency extended — you understand me — and Ma- 
homet will attend you as far as the marine by way of 
permission. 

CoNSui, Trimmer. Your Majesty, I did not intend 
again to have interfered in any other national affairs 
but my own here, yet as it is your request, I will go on 
the ni filiation. (Aside) But I have not forgotten the 
rap you gave me for meddling, as you then termed it, 

L 



122 

in this very affair, to prevent mischief. Now jou will 
be hard run by this independent nation, or I much mis- 
take the character of their present commander. 

[Exeunt Mahomet and Consul Trimmer. 

The Dey, [soIms.^ This is a mortifying alternative 
for me, as the Dey of Algiers, to ask favours from those 
who were once foremost, not only to court my power in 
those seas, but to pay me in advance for what they little 
understood, and less able to preserve. 

Consul Trimmer, [returns.] Your Majesty, I have 
visited the Christian mission on board their ships, and 
being received in a friendly manner, I entered into a 
conversation on the points in difference between you 
and them. Their determination is positive, and to this 
effect: Nothing short of their first stipulations to you, 
or hostilities direct. 

The Dey. As to their threats, 1 fear not; but I do 
not wish to provoke towards the effusion of blood! Go 
say thus much— That you have prevailed on me to 
make peace: That I agree to exchange prisoners— and 
also to allow a specific sum as a reparation for the pro- 
perty abandoned at Algiers by their citizens; also for 
their vessels taken by our corsairs on the high seas — and 
the United Christian Brotherhood of the West, take 
upon themselves to settle all claims against this Re- 
gency, in this case provided. 

Consul Trimmer. Your Majesty, this seems to 
come near the point of difference in your present nego- 
ciations; and to show you my good will to proirote har- 
mony, I will make one more effort. 

[Exit Consul Trimmer. 

Enter Mahomet, Mustapha, and Christian Mission. 

Mahomet. May it please our Sovereign Majesty, 
the Christians return to receive your own words by way 
of adjustment on the ultimatum. 

The Dey. Christians, I have consented to make 
peace through the intervention of Consul Trimmer, the 
leoresentative of an old established Christian power, 
and your known friends, on the conditions sent you. 

Commodore Intrepid, VVe have received and accept 



123 

your specific reparation, and matters being thus adjust- 
ed, we now hand you the form of the several articles 
to be contained in our Treaty on the principles of our 
first stipulations, and let them be sijrned by both parties, 
and counterchanged by way of ratification. [ They sign, 
seal, and deliver in form.] 

The Dey. Now, Christians, all thus amicably settled, 
we may as -good friends, sliake hands again; and let 
each fire a grand salute to proclaim satisfaction tlieieiii. 
{Aside) This is to make my people believe 1 have made 
a good Treaty; but it will be a great noise to little 
purpose, if not worse consequences to me. 

Tlie castle and ships five a grand salute. 

Commodore Inthepid. Now, may it please the Dey 
and Regency of Algiers, I have the honor to j)resent to 
your immediate notice Citizen No-Tribute, of our na- 
tion, who i« instructed, in case of peace, to remain with 
you as our Consular Agent, and he will now speak for 
liimself. 

Citizen No-Tkibvte. I have the honor to present 
my credentials from the Uiiited Christian Brotherhood 
in the West, as their Consul to the Dey and Kegency 
of Algiers, and hope a good understanding will hereaf- 
ter prevail in our mutual relations. 

The Dey. Citizen No-Tribute The first hearing of 
your name here? Mahomet, our Prime Minister, receive 
these credentials, and see that an exequator issue con- 
formable thereto. 

(Aside) No-Tribute — The name is ominousl It im- 
ports an empty sound, and this is not likely to fill my 
coffers! But first let me get rid of the Intrepid Com- 
modore, with his squadron, then I will contrive to place 
this Citizen No-Tribute in the back ground, there to 
remain until he pay his footing, and bids anew for my 
good will again. I also perceive that Mahomet is cha- 
grined, as well as the rest of my officers; no doubt dis- 
appointed in their expectations of rich by-presents this 
heat. 

Christian Monitor. Hear, ye Musselmen, this so- 
lemn warning! Ye have long usurped the rights of 
these waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which like all 
other great water>, were originally given by the Great 



124> 

Author of Nature for a just and friendly intercourse — 
and this equally to all nations; consequently, that no 
one nation has the legitimate right to set up any arbi- 
trary line of demarcation, by way of assumed barrier 
against the vessels of any other nation, trading from 
one Sea to another; and the present Algerine mortifica- 
tion is but the prelude of furtlier Christian punishment 
therein, until you relinquish the presumptive right of 
daring to demand tribute, or cruelly placing the citizens 
and subjects of the Christian world to unjust bondage 
and degrading fetters. 

Scene changes to the Marine. 

The Algerine fseamen, a motly crew, are landed, and 
received by Hassan, Commandant of Marine. 

Hassan. Go, you lubberly Musselmen, and hide your 
faces; you allowed the Christians not only to beat you 
but to take you. Why not blow up or sink your ship? 
— then we should have made a better peace. {exeunt. 

The Citizens of the United Christian Brotherhood in 
the West are liberated. 
Captain; [to his men.] Well, my boys, this is to us 
a different feeling from the day we landed here in irons. 
But the Algerines have had their boasted wish to meet 
one of our frigates, and we are gratified in the issue! — 
Come, follow me; I see a boat waiting to transport us on 
board our brave Commodore's ship. There we shall be 
welcome; and then to inquire about our wives and 
sweethearts at home. {They march merrily to the tune 
(f Vankee Boodle.) 

Scene changes to Commodore Intrepid's ship. 

Commodore Intrepid. Welcome, my countrymen 
on board the Warrior; you look as if you had been half 
.-starved amongst those Barbarians: Here, stewart and 
cook, stir yourselves, and see that you get soniething 
substantial for these people to eat; and boatswain, let 
an extra allowance of grog be served out all around this 
day — and then, further to cheer the hearts of those, your 
brother tars, you may sing them the new patriotic song 
Hearts of Live Oak, written for the occasion. 



126 

Boatswain. Aye, ay a, Commodore, this is a plea- 
sant (lutv. Come, my boys, you look dry; let us wet 
the whistle, and as it is the fashion, I'll give you a sen- 
timent — May- the stripes of the United Christian Bro- 
therhood in t!ie West punish all tyrants. (Bravo umncs.) 
Drink about. Now for my song: 

HEARTS OF LIVE OAIC. 

Britannia had lonpf boasted that she alone ruled the waves, 
And the burthen of her song was that Britons never should 

be slaves; 
She even dared the powers of all the world in migrhty wars: 
Led on by her ouce feared majestic wooden wails and brave 

Tars. 

Chorus — Hearts of oak were their ships, jolly tars were 
their men; 
They were always ready, steady boys steady, 
To fight and to conquer again and again. 

Columbia, her Daughter, was nursed in this cradle of fame, 
And the Goddess, l^iberty, raised her to glory on the main; 
Now from her forests sprung the Live Oali, which timely did 

apply, 

To build her ships so trim and strong, as all others then to 
defy. 

Hearts of Live Oak are our ships, hardy tars are 

our men; 
Steady, boys, steady — we soon shall be ready. 
To fight for our JNation's freedom on the main. 

Her Independent Banner now on the ^alt wave she unfurled, 
And thunder from her batteries, destruction on Britons hurled, 
lu defence of her Liberty, Commerce, and other rights most 

dear: 
And the God of Battles seemed to guard us when danger was 

near. 

Hearts of Live Oak are our ships,hardy tars are our 

men; 
Ready, Gre away boys: steady — Huzza! 
Britain strikes— Columbia has the battle won! 

And the Nation of the West now humbles the fierce Algerines, 
For ihcy had dared the Ciiris(i..n world in many bloody scenes- 
But soon were those mcrcenarv despots of Baibary all mute, 

l2 



126 

At the sound — " Millions for defence, but not one cent for 
tribute." 

Hearts of Live Oak are our ships, hardy tars are our 

men; 
We always stand ready; steady, boys, steady; 
Our rights against Tyrants to maintain. 

The proud Sons of Freedom may always glory in the very 

name. 
But never tyrannize over the weak, or plunder to their shame, 
And let Justice be the guard to their honor and rising power; 
Keady as a chastening rod towards Tyrants in a daring hour. 

Hearts of Live Oak are our ships, hardy Tars are our 

men; 
Steady, boys, steady — they know we are ready 
To meet any foe again and again. 

May the fair Daughters of Columbia, whose virtues we regard, 
Be protected by the valiant Tar, and for his gallant reward; 
May they in peace be snugly moored, fondly locked in love's 

arms. 
And may they long enjoy a sweet repose, free from war's alarms. 

Hearts of Live Oak are our ships, hardy Tars are our 

men; 
Stead}", boys, steady — we shall be found ready, 
When our country pipes to sea sgain. 

Commodore Intrepid. Not so bad. Boatswain. Now, 
my good fellows, we have done with song, and with the 
Algerines for this heat. Come, bear a hand, and let us 
to sea again, that we may the sooner meet repose in the 
land of freedom. 



SCENE II. 

The Divan in conclave. 

SoLYMAN, the Oracle. Friends of our Divan, it be- 
comes my duty, by command of the Dey, our Sovereign, 
to state to you, that the exigencies of our government 
are pressing in the extreme. Our soldiers are grumbling 
for their dues, and we are called upon to propose ways 
and means for these and other demands. We have but 
little corning in. Our distant provinces already seem 



127 

much dissatisfied with the small internal taxes they 
have to pay, and even this cannot be collected without 
sending a "military force. Therefore, the only ready 
and sure resource, will be to send our corsairs to sea 
again, and put some of the weaker Christian nations 
under tributary submission. 

Mahomet (enters apparently deep in thought.) Friends 
of the Divan. I greet you in tlie name and spirit of our 
Holy Prophet, in whose great name and faith, we all 
here, as good Musseimen, do accord. 

SoLYMAN. (aside) Wliat means our Prime Minister 
by this sacred appeal to the Holy Prophet, and not the 
least respect to the ruling power here? — not even the 
mention of the Dey's name! Something must be wrong! 
Friend Mahomet, have you any commands for us? 

Mahomkt. No — But it would appear of late, that I 
am to be the constant organ of some bad news! One 
Christian difficulty is h aid ly settled before we are likely 
to be involved in another — and this now by the strongest 
maritime power in the world, I have just heard that 
John Bull is coming from their strong hold Gibraltar, in 
concert with Myn Heer Van Splutter Box — bringing 
bombs and fireships, thus to destroy our city, as it is 
said, on account of the late quarrel at our coral fisheries 
where some of John Bull's subjects were killed and others 
mutilated. But I am apprehensive this is only a pretext, 
as it seems most of the great potentates lately assembled 
to adjust a general peace in Kurope, have set their faces 
against the Barbary powere and the tributary system — 
It is true we have hitiierto withstood the threats of the 
mighty Belligerents of Christendom! But after the late 
weak submission on our parts to a single nation, and that 
a minor maritime power — What have we now to expect? 
"Why submission again! and thus may end our long esta- 
blished custom of tribute to these our seas, unless we 
can resist the present combined attempt to over-rule 
and thus to overturn us for ever. Now my good friends, 
we shall not be enabled to encounter these imperious 
difficulties under the guidance of a weak and super- 
annuated ruler — and for these potent reasons I come to 
consult your better judgment, instead of committing 
our affairs as heretofore. 



128 

SoLYMAN, the Oracle. Mahomet, we your I'neiids here 
have foreseen with deep concern the solemn truths of 
the critical state of the regency— and these have been 
our deliberations of the day. Matters and things are 
not as they should be — The time was when we were 
courted and feared by all Christendom! Once a certain 
grand monarch took it into his head that he would de- 
stroy our city, by way of gratifying his ambition for 
some real or supposed aggravations on the part of our 
corsairs against the commerce of this great nation — and 
sent a messenger extraordinary to say what he could 
and would do, unless reparation was made. We an- 
swered — That if this grand monarch would give us 
only half the sum it would cost to fit out this mighty 
armament against our city, we would destroy it our- 
selves. This prompt reply had the desired effect — The 
mighty monarch cooled down, and then sent us rich 
bye-presents to make good friends again. But this re- 
gency then had a bold chief — and it will be our own 
faults if we submit to be governed by one we all know 
is not only a weak but pusillanimous ruler — Therefore 
I propose, that the doors of this our sanctuary be closed, 
and none go out or come in until we have agreed to 
change the ruling power — Now Mahomet, as you began 
this work, we look to you to speak your mind with 
freedom — what say you, the membei's of this divan? 
\ir The Divan. (Omwes) As our oracle says, so be it 
with us. 

Mahomet. Friends of this divan, honoured with your 
confidence, I cannot have any reservation — and make 
bold to say, that Hadgi All Bashaw is a weak and mo- 
rose chief; hasty in provoking hostile measures, but 
wanting in decision and true courage when he should 
stand forth in defence of our rights, as well as his own. 
You have lately seen how unwittingly he was caj oiled 
by John Bull into a war with the nation of the west— 
and how shamefully for our honour and interests, if no't 
also our future salvation — he patched up a peace, paying 
instead of receiving according to our rule in such cases. 
To cut the matter short, this weak old Bashaw stands 
in the way of us all — and is not fit to rule over us one 
hour longer, or we may give over all as lost. Now, my 



129 

tiiends, as you have desired, so I have openly declared 
my sentiments — and expect the same candour from this 
assembly. 

SoLYMAx. But Mahomet, let us to the point — pray 
who might be the man you would recommend to succeed 
the one vou would depose, and that could by his good 
conduct and personal valor brave the storm, support his 
own claim, and maintain our rights. You know our 
soldiery will have a strong, and sometimes an unruly 
voice in favour of one of their own band. 

Mahomet. My nian is Omai, t)ie chief Aga, and com- 
mander of our troops — and to be plain with you, 1 have 
reason to suspect their voices are already for him to 
assume the reins of government. 

SoLYMAN. In the man we agree — I had long looked 
towards Omai as our next sovereign ruler — what say 
the divan? 

Divan. [Ovmes] As our oracle says, Omai, so be it. 

Soi.YMAN. Then be it so resolved. Now, Mahomet, we 
depend on you to be the trusty messenger to Omai, to 
know his will and pleasure in our proceedings. We 
shall remain here to receive him or his answer. 

Mahomet. Friends, I go at the sound of your united 
voices — {aside) But I am disappointed, they were not 
in my favour to rule. [EMt Mahomet. 

SoLYMAN. Friends of this regency, this is an anxious 
interval to us in suspense here! But we must hope the 
moment of a change for the better is at hand, as Omai 
is known to have bravery to protect, and wisdom to 
govern us. 

Mahomet enters icith Omai. 

The Divan, [as lie enters] Long live Omai to reign 
over this regency. 

Omai. Friends of this Divan, I accept your invitation. 
Had I been ambitious, I miglit long since have changed 
the present weak ruling power. More need not be said 
between us. 

Solyman. We put our trust in Omai, and to him 
must be confided the disposal of Hadgi Ali Bashaw — 
and may our holy prophet speed you well. 

Omai. Tlien let us to work in good earnest. Friend 
Mahomet, you may now go in advance, and tell Hadgi 



130 

All Bashaw of the expected expedition of John Bull- 
tell him the soldiery are revolting about their dues — 
and tell him any thing else you may think of to vex or 
perplex his weak mind. Perliaps he may choose himself 
to retire, and save me the trouble of putting him out of 
the way. I will first go and have a little confidential 
talk with Captain Robardo and a few other officers to be 
ready with the soldiery in case of any possible opposi- 
tion — and I shall soon be with you to settle the point on 
the spot. Exeunt Omai and Mahomet. 

Scene changes to the Palace. 

The Dey. [solus] I cannot say why, or wherefore, 
but my mind of late has been much disturbed, and my 
sleep broken by fleeting visions! The last night I dream- 
ed, that a great red bull was pointing his terrible horns 
direct at my breast! This would presage some coining 
trouble perhaps from John Ball himself. 

Mahomet, [enters] My sovereign, you seem in deep 
meditation! If it meets your supreme will and pleasure, 
I come to have some confidential talk with you on mat- 
ters of the most serious import, which grie^ es me sorely, 
as I see no end but that which makes me shudder! 

The Dey. Speak, Mahomet, and relieve my anxious 
mind, for I have anticipated some coming evil. 

Mahomet. My sovereign, you command me to speak, 
but I fear it will not relieve your mind. We have re- 
ceived news from the best authority at Gibraltar, that 
the fleets of John Bull, and Myn Heer Van Splutter 
Box have there combined, and we may momently look 
for them here, with bombs and fire ships to destroy our 
city in good earnest; and also to destroy all the tribu- 
tary system to the Barbary powers, and thus must our 
glory, if not ourselves, come to an end! and what makes 
this the more serious to us at the moment, our coifers 
are empty and the soldiers are in a state of mutiny 
against you lor their dues! [aside] he seems to take the 
alarm! now for his answer? whilst I think on some- 
thing more to prey on him like a tiger. 

The Dey. This isa sad picture as regards our in- 
ternal troubles! We must find some ways and means 



131 

immediately to pacify our soldiery, and thua prepare 
their minds to meet the external enemy. 

Mahomet. My sovereign, as you please to command 
in these matters. Now, by way of letting you know all 
tliat is passing in the Christian world, which you are 
always desirous to hear, I must inform you — that 1 have 
had a long talk with Consul Trimmer, who you know is 
our reputed chronicle — and he gives me a long detail of 
matters and things, and a sad hearing about your old 
friend Consul Tribute, who is suddenly defunct! The 
cause is yet a mystery! But what more immediately 
concerns you at the moment, a publication has appeared 
in the newspapers of the nation of the west, which first 
put them in motion against you — and now the whole 
world seems to be in a great ferment against the Bar- 
bary powers, and particularly against the Algerines.— 
But more strange to tell, the reputed author is Citizen 
Y'ankoo the Mocha merchant, whom we suspected as a 
spy here — and worse to tell you, tliey say he has been 
writing a tragi — comedy, entitled " The Siege of Al- 
giers, or the downfal of Hadgi Ali Bashaw." In which 
he has predicted many strange things^ and in the sequel 
your end! [aside) This will be a strong dose for a credu- 
lous Bashaw, and seems to work his proud mind to the 
quick. • 

The Dky. As to Consul Tribute, you say he is no 
more! Then why trouble ourselves with the dead as they 
cannot harm us? As to this independent Citizen Yan- 
koo, if I could once more get him witliin the reach of 
my supreme will, I would soon put it out of his power 
to scribble against the tributary system; or thus to bring 
Hadgi Ali Bashaw, the Dey of Algiers, on the stage of 
the Christian world to be burlesqued. I suppose this 
Christian dog remains surly about his property aban- 
doned here at the time I sent him oft"with his Consul. — 
But Mahomet, now we are on this subject, what became 
of this man's coffee left in the public stores here.'' It 
could not have evaporated, somebody must know some- 
thing about it! However, I tlioiight it had been adjusted 
in the settlement of the claims on this regency at the 
new treaty with the nation of the west. 

Mahomet. True mv sovereign, all matters were at 



132 

that time compromised by paying this nation a specific 
sum. But it seems herein is the difficulty — as this is 
not sufl&cient to remunerate the claimants in more than 
one fourth their individual losses, (aside) As to the cof- 
fee in question, I could tell something about it, but let 
the secret die with Consul Tribute! And you may follow 
without being the wiser, perhaps withiix a few mi- 
nutes. 

The Dey. Hark! I hear some footstep coming this 
way— who dare thus presume, when they should know 
you are closetted with me? 

Omai enters and takes stand with his arms folded, 
not speaking one word, but his eyes fixed toivards the 
Dey. 

Mahomet. My sovereign, having said all I have to 
say at the moment, I may retire, as our Aga may have 
some private business here, [aside — Omai looks deter- 
mined) Now I will take my stand behind this pillar to 
see the issue here. 

The Dey. What has brought our Aga thus into my 
presence without the usual ceremony of first announcing 
his name: any matters of immediate import for my ear 
alone? 

Omai. Yes, of great import! hear me. I come by the 
strong and sure passport of my soldiery, to say, that 
Hadgi All Bashaw is guilty of a weak administration at 
home, as also in our relations abroad; and thereby has 
forfeited our allegiance, and no longer to rule over the 
-affairs of this regency. 

The Dey. Traitor Omai! I have long suspected your 
daring spirit towards my downfall But I will save you 
the trouble of staining your hands in my blood! [then 
drawing a poniard from his bosom, he plunges it to his 
heart, and falls] Now, usurper, I leave you to meet the 
troubles that await you in turn from your own turbulent 
people, as well as those coming from the Christian 
world. 

Omai. Thou would be tyrant! I am satisfied thou hast 
fallen by thine own hands! And scorn the retort to one 
in the miseries of death! 

The Dey. Vain boaster, profit by my weakness and 



1S3 

infirmities — and hear these my last words, by way of 
prediction — Your reign will be short, and vain-glorious 
in the end! [Dies. 

Mahomet, [conies forward} Great and glorious 
chieftain, I witnessed your firmness. The deed is done 
to my mind, as it is to yours — and by your supreme will 
and pleasure, I will haste with the welcome news to our 
friends at the divan. 

Omai. Go, but I must remain here, lest some unfore- 
seen disturbances might arise. Return here with all 
speed, and in, your way, say to captain Robardo, I com- 
mand his presence. [^exit. 

A loud huzza outside the palace by the soldiery. Long 

live Omai the brave, to rule over us and this regency. 

Omai. [soius] It is well, but sufficient are the evils of 
the day that makes me your ruler, unless I can govern 
you to a good end. 

Mahomet, [returns with Captain Robardo, Mus- 
tapha, Hassan and Mahomet] We congratulate Omai 
the supreme ruler of this regency, on this happy achieve- 
ment. 

Omai.. And you my friends on this happy deliverance. 
{Pointing to the dead body] Now, Mahomet, to you I 
renew the station as my prime minister, and to Mus- 
tapha, my minister of marine; to Hassan, the com- 
mandant of this department; and the first thing to be 
done, is, to proclaim that Hadgi Ali Bashaw is no more! 
and that Omai governs this regency, (aside) I might 
have assumed the title of Bashaw, but this would be 
treading the footsteps of my weak predecessor. 

Mahomet. Thanks to our great sovereign Omai, for 
these his first marks of favour — I haste to see that his 
commands are duly obeyed, [aside] This is a rare oc- 
currence in Algerine affairs, a new Dey, and no Bashaw 
entailed to his name. 

[Exeunt Mahomet, Mustapha, Hassan. 

Omai the Dey. Captain Robardo, you have been my 
faithful companion in arms before, and since the day we 
landed on this shore from the Levant as common sol- 
diers — Therefore, that you may still remain near me, I 
make you my chief Aga. And as the affairs of our rc- 
M 



1S4 

gency command immediate attention and vigilances 
haste away and see that our soldiery preserve good or- 
der — and let our castle and forts be well manned, and 
ready at all points to receive the Christian enemy, 
which may be momently expected with their fleets to 
dttack our city. I shall visit the rounds in due time to 
see your good arrangements as commander of our land 
forces. 

RoBARDO. Thanks to our great sovereign Omai, for 
these his continued marks of confidence towards me — 
I haste to execute his royal commands, (aside) It is well, 
but one step more to gratify my ambition! {Eocit. 

',i band of Soldiers cross the stage, to the tune of the 
Janisaries^ march. 

Omai. [solus^ These Levant renegades, look bold 
under their new commander; but I must teach them, still 
to obey me as their Sovereign, or my reign may soon end! 
Halt! [Commanding officer salutes the Dey.] It is 
well. March! [They move off.] This is better. You 
know your duty. 

Christian Momtor. Beware, ye mercenary and 
blood-thirsty usurpers of this land; ye have now, from 
necessity, chosen the best man in the Regency to go- 
vern, and if he cannot rule you and your affairs as they 
should be, it will be in vain to expect it from amongst 
your unlettered banditti. 



SCENE III. 

The Marine. The fleets of John Bull, and Myn Heer 
Van Splutter Box, come to anchor before the city of 
Algiers. 

Omni, the Bey, Mahomet, Mustapha, Robardo, and other 
officers collected before the Pavilion. 

Omai. Now, my trusty friends, there you see the 
fleets of our enemy before our city, and here we are 
ready and I hope willing to defend the same. I will 
meet these Christians at the water's edge, and not let 
even any mission within the barrier gates of our city, as 



135 

this is the way they find means, through some Christian 
Consul in their interests, to counteract us. 

Hacsan, (Commandant of Marine, in haste.) Our 
Sovereign, Omai, I come to report a boat with a white 
flag, coming from the Christian fleet. 

Omai, the Dey. This looks as if these combined war- 
riors were disposed towards some overtures. Hassan, 
go receive and conduct this flag bearer to my presence. 

(Exit Hassan. 

Consul Bullycan. {presents himself.) May it please 
Omai, the sovereign of tlris regency, to grant me permis- 
sion to go on board the fleet that I perceive bears the 
flag of my nation, now before your city — perhaps, by so 
doing, I might prevent trouble. 

Inside] The truth is, I want to get myself and sub- 
jects here on board our fleet, as I know admiral Thun- 
der is determined to knock it out with you, if not very 
peaceably disposed towards his overtures. 

Omai, the Dey. Christian, go back instantly to your 
consular house, and do not presume to show yourself, or 
meddle in any shape between your nation and me, until 
I see fit, or take the consequences. 

Exit Consul Bullycan. 
Hassan returns with flag hearer. 

Omai, the Dey. Who are you, Christian, and wliat is 
the true meaning of this hostile naval appearance before 
our city? 

Flag bearer. Seignior, be it known, I come from 
admiral Thunder, the commander of the combined fleets 
of John Bull and Myn Heer Van SplutterBox, now be- 
fore your city, with a sealed letter to Consul 13ullycan, 
our representative here, who will be authorized therein 
to explain the nature of our business here. 

(aside) In truth, I want to have a little private talk 
with our consul, to know your present disposition, as 
well as your weak side; and, in the mean time, to get all 
John Bull's subjects at Algiers on board our fleet be- 
fore the appearance of hostilities. 

Omai, tne Dey. Christian, your commander, admiral 
Thunder, should have known the rules of our warfare 
better, if not the known strength of our city; and his 



136 

written communication should first have come directed 
to the Dey aud regency of Algiers, to give it credence 
here: and be it known, that I will not suffer a letter to 
pass to your consul, nor will 1 permit the interference 
of any other person here, until the first point is settled, 
and that to my entire satisfaction— r As to consequences, 
I fear not, being prepared on all sides. 

Flag bearer. Is this your only answer? 

Omai, the Dey. As I have said. 

Flag bearer. I will bear this to my commander. 

Omai, the Dey. As you please, and the sooner the 
better. 

Flag bearer. My commander will answer; (aside as 
he retires) and perhaps not to your liking, from on board 
the Queen. 

Admiral Thunder. This imperious answer to my 
flag bearer, from this unlettered Mussulman is downright 
insolence. Let my ship be anchored within point blank 
shot of their castle — I'll bring them to their bearings — 
Make signals for the rest of our ships to form in line of 
battle, with springs on their cables; and signals for the 
bombs and fire ships to take their station in the rear for 
the present. In the mean time I'll make one more at- 
tempt to negociate. Now, flag bearer, return with this 
letter directed to the Dey and regency of Algiers — the 
form they have prescribed. 

Flag bearer is rowed to the shore, 

Hassan. Our sovereign Omai, I come to report, that 
the Christian fleet is anchoring close in with our castle; 
and I also observe the wliite flag returning to our shore. 

Omai, the Dey. It is well, the closer the better mark 
for us, if they are bent on fight; but, as they seem in a 
mood for more talk first, go, Hassan, and receive their 
flag once more. Now, Robardo, as those Christians 
are pressing towards us in close quarters, let off our 
great alarm gun thrice at a minute's distance by way of 
notice, that all our women and children may secure 
themselves as well as they can, before the enemy throw 
shells into our city; and, Mahomet, go you and seize on 
Consul Bully can, and all subjects of their nation, and 
confine them within our castle; and, in case of the worst 



137 

to us, wc can rcailily bring them forlh on the ramparts, 
in sight of our enemy, as a bulwark against their own 
Christian balls. 

Hassan, {returns luith Flag bearer — hands a lellcr) 
This for the Dey and legency of Algiers, as directed. 

Omai, the Dey. (breaks the seal, hands it to his Secre- 
tary) Here Spyder Ali, read this Christian communica- 
tion aloud that all around may hear as well as myseU. 

Spydek Ali. As our sovereign is pleased to com- 
mand. Tlie following are the conditions oft'ered by John 
Bull and Myn Heer Van SplutterBox, under the com- 
mand of admiral Thunder, now before your city. 

First, Abolition of Christian slavery at Algiers. 

Second, To deliver up all slaves of whatever Chris- 
tian nation, now in the Dey's dominions. 

Third, To return all monies paid for redemption of 
slaves since the commencement of the last year. 

Fourth, Reparation to John Bull for all losses. 

Fifth, and last, The Dey to make apology to Consul 
Bullycan publicly, in terms to be dictated by himself for 
the gross insults received. 

Omai, the Dey. This is mighty insolently dictated to 
me the Dey amt regency of Algiers, by admiral Tiiun- 
dcr;and as to his consort, Myn Heer Van SplutterBox, 
I thought his nation were all fast asleep, or smoking 
their pipes quietly at home amongst the Dykes, as I have 
not seen, or even lieard of them in these our seas for 
years. Now, Christian, hear my definitive answer. — Be 
it known to your thunder sounding commander, that 
you have not the former old and weak Hadgi Ali Ba- 
shaw to deal with, and that Omai, the present ruler of 
this regency, will not listen to any negociations, how- 
ever powerfully combined, when arrogant propositions 
are thus dictated; and that Omai considers himself in- 
dignantly treated, as the Dey of Algiers, and is deter- 
niined to defend his honour and his people to the last 
drop of his blood. Tiiis you may carry verbatim to 
your commander, in order to save time on both sides. 

Flag beareu. I will bear this answer to my com- 
mander. iJs he retires, aside) You soon will have a 

M 2 



1S8 

thundering reply, as we are all ready, and as full of fight 
as yourselves. Uxit. 

Scene changes to Mmiral Thunder's flag ship^ 

Admiral Thunder. This verbal answer in reply to 
my written communication is Barbarian like — most im- 
pudently daring. I'll soon try the spunk of this bragga- 
docio new chief. Let signals be made to our repeating 
frigates, to be by them given to each ship to direct their 
point of attack, as marked in the instructions. Make 
signals for our bomb vessels to throw their shells into 
the very heart of the city; this will cause terror to the 
people, and be the best means to make them sue for 
peace. Make signals for the fire ships to enter the mole 
and set fire to their shipping, and also their magazines. 
In the mean time 1 will divert the castle. Fire a broad- 
side from our ship. ISow make signals for each ship to 
do its duty this day. 

Omai, the Dey. The Christian bull dogs have at length 
opened upon us. Robardo, return hot shot, as well as 
cold, and let the bloody flag be hoisted to show that we 
dare them to their utmost, and no quarter. I now see 
that we can hit their ships almost every shot, and will 
give them a good riddling before we have done. They > 
little know we have gotten some of John Crappeau's 
best engineers in our service for this occasion. 

Admiral Thunder. This Mussulman madman fights 
hard — I see him with my glass at every point of danger; 
and by his bloody flag he even dares our vengeance; but 
what puzzles me most, almost every shot they make is 
point blank into our ships; several of which, as well as 
my own, are worsted. They must latterly have much 
improved in the art of gunnery; and as we have suffered 
much in our rigging, make signals to haul off and refit- 
perhaps they have gotten enough of it. (aside) We have 
lost many men, and I have gotten a small hit myself — 
no matter for that, it will add a pension to my ribbon as 
lord Wexmouth. 

Omai, the Dey. I perceive the Christian ships are si- 
lenced, and hauling off. Robardo, save your powder, as 
we shall want it all should the siege be renewed. 



139 

Hassak. Our sovereign Omai, I observe another white 
flag coming to our shore. 

Omai, the Dey. What can this mean? But go, Hassan, 
and see; perhaps a messenger of peace. [exit Hassan. 

Hassan returns with Flag bearer. 

Omai, the Dey. Christian, what brings jou to my 
presence again, after having received my definitive an- 
swer? 

Flag bearkr. Seignior, the Dey of Algiers, I come 
once more from my commander. Admiral Thunder, who 
does not dispute your personal bravery, but willing to 
save the eftusion of blood on both sides, he commands 
me to tender you the conditions of peace, on the terms 
already offered. If you refuse this overture it will be the 
last — hostilities must then be renewed, and continued 
until you cry enough, or your city is laid in ruins. 

The Natives, (cry out) Enough, Omai the brave! — 
Enough; let us have peace, and save our women and 
children, if you have no regard for our city? 

Omai, the Dey. Christian, you hear! The people of 
our city give you peace on your own terms; and I can- 
not contend against the cries of women and children, 
although a Turk by birtli. Go, say to your comniander, 
on these conditions alone I give way. 

Flag bearer. I will bear these pacific tidings to my 
commander. 

Scene changes to the Palace. 

•Omai, the Dej. (solus) The voice of one hundred 
thousand people have called aloud for peace, and peace 
let them have even at ray own sacrifice! I know the 
consequences. This looks like the downfal of the tribu- 
tary system; and this my own people will not be satis- 
fied with in the moment of cool reflection, when their 
danger is over. As to myself, I cannot consent to make 
apology according to the terms prescribed, and thus be- 
come the scoff'of the Christian world — no, i-ather would 
I die. {stabs himself ) 

Christian Monitor. John Bull, you have long ba- 
lanced in the scale of Barbarian wrongs, as well as other 



140 

mighty belligerents, for lucre of gain, wanting to kick 
the beam your own way, until you have been obliged to 
force this imperious truce, and seal it in blood; but for- 
tunate has it been for the defenceless nations of the 
Christian world, that a constellation has arisen in the 
West, whose independent banner has pointed out the 
true way to treat with these petty despots of Barbary, 
as well as all other tyrants. -" Millions for defence, but 
not one cent for tribute!" 



THE END. 



EPILOGUE. 



To govern, and likewise govcra right, towards some great and good end, 
The world since creation have constantly puzzled to amend: 
Ancient Greece and Rome ouce were taken as great master models: 
Then modern Europe thought that they had much better noddles. 
The great Illuminati now pretended they saw clear and far. 
Predicting strange revolutions from the East to the Western star: 
Then the proud ambition of great monarcbs, fearing such like things, 
As they foresaw might flow from the pure source of republican springs. 
Columbia now started up — what can we project for the best? 
As therein is the profound secret our wise men wish for to test. 
We boldly say, to be free is the first step to be truly great. 
Whilst subject vassals, degraded, sink beneath their desponding fate. 
I do not mean by this, that we should sport or moan away our days, 
But, in all things, wisely seek for the best and most pleasing ways. 
Now, whether this doctrine pleases ye all, I want much for to know, 
And to the independent graces in the boxes I first bow; 
Next to the scratch-wig critic in the pit — all authors do fear him — 
But, as to the gallery, they have some feeling — I must them win. 
Well what next? — Why, whether I have herein pleased ye all, or not, 
I know to please all the world in any thing, is not human lot. 
And we all know, sometimes it is a task even dear self to please. 
For hopes and fear alternate, like tyrants, do us so haunt and tease; 
However, thank God, he has given me feeling, although not pelf: 
And, if I cannot please all the world, I endeavour to please myself. 
This by some, may be thought very selfish, but this is in our nature, 
Fof self love, self interest, if not control, is in every feature. 
So much for the author — Now for the actor I must a word put in: 
Have I him rightly expressed, without mouthing or silly grin? 
Methinks, by your kindly attention, and your good natured face. 
You will say, well done your part in action as well as grace! 



X107 




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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proces 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 



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